American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.