US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

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

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.

He described 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 Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.