American Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

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

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.