US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together 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 US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.