US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.