US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

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

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.