US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating 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 administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.