US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern 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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.