US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.