American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.