US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The prime ministers of both 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."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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