US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny 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 reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, 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 Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.