American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 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."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.