US Attack on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local 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 "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously 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 Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 concluded.