American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s 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 further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 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 global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

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 once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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