American Attack on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power competition 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 stated.

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

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.