US Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

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

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 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."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.