US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation 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," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

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

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.