Government Condemns “Unjustified Hostility”
Venezuela condemned Donald Trump after he urged pilots and airlines to treat its airspace as fully closed. The foreign ministry described his remarks as “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials insisted the US holds no right to restrict another nation’s airspace and accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat”. Washington increased its military presence near Venezuela and carried out at least 21 strikes on boats it linked to drug trafficking, killing more than 80 people. The US has not provided evidence. President Nicolás Maduro says these actions 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 a request for comment from an international broadcaster.
Congress Criticises Trump’s Escalation
Trump’s remarks triggered strong reactions in Congress. Lawmakers from both parties said he ignored constitutional limits. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer warned that Trump’s “reckless actions” pushed the US toward “another costly foreign war”. He stressed that only Congress can declare war. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also reminded the public that Congress controls war powers despite her past support for Trump.
Airlines Pull Back as Risks Increase
Tensions rose shortly after the US Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines about “heightened military activity” around Venezuela. Several major carriers suspended flights following the alert. Caracas then revoked their take-off and landing rights. Venezuela’s foreign ministry urged the UN, global governments and international bodies to reject what it called an “immoral act of aggression”. On that same day, the Venezuelan military held coastal drills. State TV showed anti-aircraft systems and heavy artillery moving into position.
Massive US Deployment Sparks Debate
The US deployed the USS Gerald Ford and about 15,000 troops near Venezuelan waters. US officials say they want to counter drug trafficking. The deployment marks the largest US military presence in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Trump warned that operations to stop Venezuelan drug trafficking “by land” would begin “very soon”. Venezuelan authorities believe Washington aims to topple Maduro, whose re-election last year drew global criticism as fraudulent. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the US used “violence to dominate” Latin America, though other regional leaders voiced support for Trump’s position.
Terrorist Label Deepens Tensions
The US designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation and claimed Maduro leads the group. The designation expands US powers to target and dismantle it. Venezuela “categorically, firmly, and absolutely” rejected the label.
