American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

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

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

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence 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 few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.