American Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.