US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our 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 pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.

He described 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 Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed 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 troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.