US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "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 Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.