US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

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

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global rivalry 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 characterized 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 Indigenous Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.