American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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