US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future 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 rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.