Amid escalating tensions, Donald Trump has announced the complete closure of the airspace over and around Venezuela, citing concerns of potential conflict. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump directed airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers to acknowledge the airspace restrictions.
Reports indicate a significant impact from the airspace closure, with minimal air traffic observed over Venezuela, including no flights over Caracas by 12.15 pm local time. Venezuela has not yet responded to this action. There are mounting fears that the U.S. military presence in the region, which includes troops, a nuclear submarine, and warships, could be utilized for a potential attack on Venezuela to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.
This recent move follows a prior warning by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to airlines regarding safety risks flying over Venezuela due to heightened military activity and security concerns. Venezuela’s civil aviation authority has announced the revocation of flight permits for several international airlines, accusing them of supporting U.S.-backed “state terrorism.”
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have increased with the U.S. military buildup in South America and reported strikes on vessels in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia, resulting in casualties. The U.S. alleges these vessels were involved in drug trafficking, while critics, including Latin American leaders and legal experts, denounce the attacks as extrajudicial killings, primarily affecting innocent fishermen.
Accusations of drug trafficking have been exchanged between the U.S. and Maduro’s government, with Maduro accusing the U.S. of fabricating conflicts to justify intervention. Maduro has criticized the U.S. for using false pretexts to interfere in Venezuelan affairs.
