US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 characterized 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."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both 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 reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director 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 station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.