US Attack on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power competition 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders 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."

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

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.