US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The prime ministers 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 annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.