US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s 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 additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.