Caracas Calls Move Illegal and Aggressive
Venezuela reacted strongly after Donald Trump said its airspace should be considered closed. The foreign ministry called the statement “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials said the United States holds no authority to restrict another country’s airspace and accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat”. The US increased its military presence near Venezuela and conducted at least 21 strikes on boats it claimed carried drugs, killing over 80 people. Washington has provided no evidence. President Nicolás Maduro said these operations aim to remove him from power. Trump posted on Truth Social that airlines, pilots, traffickers, and smugglers should “consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety”. The White House did not immediately respond to requests from an international news outlet.
US Congress Criticizes Trump
Trump’s comments drew sharp criticism from lawmakers. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer warned that Trump’s “reckless actions” push the US toward “another costly foreign war” and emphasized that only Congress can declare war. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously a close Trump ally, echoed the warning, stressing Congress holds sole authority to declare war.
Flights Suspended Amid Tensions
The US Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines about “heightened military activity in and around Venezuela”. Several major carriers suspended flights. Caracas then revoked their take-off and landing rights. Venezuela’s foreign ministry urged governments, the UN, and international organisations to reject what it called an “immoral act of aggression”. On the same day, the Venezuelan military held coastal exercises. State TV broadcast images of anti-aircraft weapons and heavy artillery moving into position.
US Military Deployment Escalates Pressure
The US deployed the USS Gerald Ford and approximately 15,000 troops near Venezuelan waters. Officials said the move targets drug trafficking. It marks the largest US deployment in the region since the 1989 Panama invasion. Trump warned that operations to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking “by land” would begin “very soon”. Venezuelan leaders said Washington aims to topple Maduro, whose re-election faced international criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the US of using “violence to dominate” Latin America, while other regional leaders welcomed Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Designation Worsens Tensions
The US designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation, claiming Maduro leads the group. The label allows US authorities wider powers to dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry “categorically, firmly, and absolutely” rejected the designation, calling it another hostile act.
