American Attack on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny 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 reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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