US Attack on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of 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 suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.

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

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible 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.