American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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