Consider airspace around Venezuela closed,Trump says.

Consider airspace around Venezuela closed,Trump says.

 In a recent social media post, former US President Donald Trump called on airlines, pilots, and others to “consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety.” The statement has sparked widespread discussion, particularly because the United States does not have the legal authority to shut down another sovereign nation’s airspace.

While Trump’s comments are not legally enforceable, they could contribute to uncertainty among travelers and commercial airlines, potentially leading some carriers to reconsider flights in and around Venezuelan territory.

      Growing Tensions in the Region

The remarks come at a time when the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean. According to US officials, the buildup aims to curb drug trafficking operations. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, however, has repeatedly dismissed these allegations, calling them part of a broader effort to weaken his government.

So far, Venezuela has not officially responded to Trump’s comments. The White House also did not reply to media requests for clarification.

      Airlines Face Restrictions Amid Heightened Activity

According to Reuters Just days before Trump’s post, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned airlines about “heightened military activity in and around Venezuela.” In response to mounting tensions, Venezuela recently barred six major international airlines—including Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines—after they missed a tight deadline to resume flights.

Meanwhile, the US has deployed the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with approximately 15,000 troops close to Venezuelan borders. Washington maintains that the mission’s primary objective is to combat drug trafficking, making it the largest US deployment in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

Trump also hinted that new US efforts to fight alleged Venezuelan drug operations “by land” could begin soon.

      US Strikes and Lack of Evidence

According to US military reports, at least 21 strikes have been carried out on boats suspected of drug smuggling, resulting in more than 80 deaths. However, US officials have not publicly presented evidence confirming that these vessels were transporting narcotics.

According to The-guardian Venezuela accuses the United States of using anti-drug operations as a pretext to destabilize the Maduro government. Maduro’s 2024 re-election was rejected as fraudulent by opposition groups and many foreign governments, further escalating tensions.

     Terrorism Designation Sparks Outrage in Venezuela

Adding to the controversy, the US recently designated the “Cartel de los Soles” (Cartel of the Suns) as a foreign terrorist organization. Washington alleges that senior Venezuelan officials, including Maduro, are involved and that the network has “corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary.”

The Venezuelan foreign ministry has firmly rejected the designation, calling it baseless. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s interior and justice minister—often accused by the US of having ties to the cartel—has long dismissed the allegations as fabrications.

      A Region on Alert

As political and military tensions continue to rise, the situation surrounding Venezuelan airspace remains fluid. With conflicting claims from both governments and increasing restrictions on international flights, travelers and airlines are watching developments closely.