US Attack on Caracas Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared 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 highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response 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 leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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