American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "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 island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.