US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’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 highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "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 Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing 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 deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.