American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers 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 Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 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 global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex 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 desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.