American Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

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

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.