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

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent 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 "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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 global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.