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

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

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

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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 cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.