US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as 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 television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.