US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.