American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee 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."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 stated.

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 international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.