US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling 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 cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.