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

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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 Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously 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 which power could intervene about it," she observed.