US Attack on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.