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

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered 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 significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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