Caracas Decries “Illegal Aggression”
Venezuela condemned Donald Trump after he said its airspace should be fully closed. The foreign ministry called it “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials said the United States has no authority to restrict another country’s airspace. They accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat”. The US increased its military presence near Venezuela and launched at least 21 strikes on boats it claimed carried drugs, killing more than 80 people. Washington 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 a request from an international news outlet.
Lawmakers Criticize Trump’s Escalation
Trump’s remarks drew strong reactions from Congress. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said 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 the sole authority to declare war.
Airlines Suspend Flights Amid Tension
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 the UN, global governments, and international organisations to reject what it called an “immoral act of aggression”. On the same day, the Venezuelan military conducted coastal exercises. State TV showed anti-aircraft weapons and heavy artillery being moved into position.
US Deployment Raises Regional Tensions
The US deployed the USS Gerald Ford and about 15,000 troops near Venezuelan waters. Officials said the deployment targets drug trafficking. It marks the largest US presence 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 said the US uses “violence to dominate” Latin America, while other regional leaders welcomed Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Designation Deepens Diplomatic Rift
The US designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation, claiming Maduro leads the group. The label gives US authorities broader powers to dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry “categorically, firmly, and absolutely” rejected the designation, calling it another hostile act.
