Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, declaring the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela closed in its entirety. The announcement, made via his Truth Social platform, was directed at airlines, pilots, and illicit actors.
Escalating Tensions and Military Activity
The dramatic statement comes amidst a significant US military build-up off the coast of South America and growing fears of a potential armed conflict. Prior to Trump's public declaration, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already alerted major airlines to a potentially hazardous situation for flights over Venezuela.
The FAA cited a worsening security situation and heightened military activity in the region. This advisory set the stage for Trump's more forceful and public approach to the crisis.
A Series of Lethal Strikes and Accusations
The tensions have been fuelled by a series of recent US military actions. American strikes targeting vessels in international waters off Venezuela and Colombia have resulted in the deaths of at least 83 people.
The US government has alleged that the boats it bombed were involved in transporting drugs. However, these attacks have been condemned as extrajudicial killings by Latin American leaders, international law experts, and families of the deceased, who claim most of the victims were innocent fishermen.
Fears of a Broader Conflict
There is now mounting concern that the substantial US military deployment in the region could be used to launch a larger attack on Venezuela. The deployment includes:
- Thousands of US troops
- A nuclear submarine
- A group of warships accompanying the USS Gerald R Ford
Many analysts fear the objective is to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom the US has accused of drug trafficking. In response, Maduro has accused the US government of fabricating a new eternal war against him and increasing its excuses and lies to justify intervention in his country.
The closure of Venezuelan airspace by Donald Trump represents a significant escalation in this ongoing geopolitical standoff, raising the stakes for international travel and regional stability.
