American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.

He described 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 Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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