American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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