US Attack on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.