US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.