US Attack on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex 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 close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 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."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory'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 many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.