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

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together 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 US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both 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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.