American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

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

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response 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 prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.