American Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service 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 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 island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.