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

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US 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 US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 stated.

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

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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