American Attack on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget 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 added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described 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."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard 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.