American Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

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

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 characterized 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 global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.