US Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.