American Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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