Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Closed Amid Rising Tensions

Former President Donald Trump has declared the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela “closed in its entirety,” escalating fears of military confrontation as the United States increases its military presence in the region. This announcement was made via a post on Truth Social, where Trump addressed various stakeholders, stating, “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.”

As of 12:15 PM local time, initial reports indicate that the airspace restriction appears effective, with virtually no aircraft visible crossing Venezuelan territory, and none recorded over Caracas. The Venezuelan government has not yet issued an official response to this declaration.

Concerns are growing that Trump may leverage the substantial US military presence in the area, which includes thousands of personnel, a nuclear submarine, and naval vessels escorting the USS Gerald R. Ford, to initiate military action aimed at ousting President Nicolas Maduro. This announcement follows prior warnings from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which alerted major airlines to a “potentially hazardous situation” for flights over Venezuela, citing escalating military activity in the region.

Airline Operations Affected

On the same day, Venezuela’s civil aviation authority announced the suspension of flight operations for several international airlines, including Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, and Brazil’s LATAM. The government stated that these companies were penalized for participating in “the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government.”

The rising tensions coincide with an increased military presence by the US off the South American coast and a series of military strikes against vessels in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia. These strikes have reportedly resulted in at least 83 deaths, with the US alleging that the targeted vessels were involved in drug trafficking. However, critics, including Latin American leaders and international law experts, have described these actions as extrajudicial executions, claiming that many of the deceased were fishermen.

Ongoing Accusations and Diplomatic Strains

The US government has accused Maduro of drug trafficking, while Maduro himself has countered that the US is fabricating a “new eternal war” against his administration. He has also accused the US of intensifying its “excuses and lies” to justify potential intervention in Venezuela.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with diplomatic relations between the US and Venezuela remaining severely strained. The implications of Trump’s declaration may further complicate an already volatile landscape, raising questions about the future of both nations amid growing military tensions.