American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.