American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling 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 unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.