American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.

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."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 do anything about it," she concluded.