US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Takeover.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 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 Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary 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."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.