American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to 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 ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 remarked.

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

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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