American Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

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

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.