US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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