In the ongoing tension between President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump has issued another bold statement, announcing the closure of airspace around Venezuela. This comes as the U.S. has already declared Maduro's government illegitimate, exploring various options to heighten pressure on the regime.
The directive concerning the airspace suggests the U.S. may escalate military or strategic measures against Venezuela. Hence, despite a distance of around 5000 kilometers, Trump has issued a stern warning regarding the country's airspace.
This raises speculation on whether the Trump administration is preparing for a strike on Venezuela. Yet, there's still no official explanation for the airspace closure.
Source: aajtak
What Warning Did Trump Issue?
Trump directed a stringent warning particularly at drug dealers, airlines, and pilots, indicating escalated U.S. pressure on Maduro's regime. On Saturday, via Truth Social, he sternly declared that all airlines, pilots, drug, and human traffickers should consider the entire airspace over and around Venezuela completely sealed.
Maduro Government Continually Targeted by Trump
The U.S. administration already openly considers the removal of Nicolás Maduro's government. Senior officials indicate that the Trump administration regards Maduro's regime as part of illegal drug trafficking, a claim Maduro denounces as a political conspiracy. Venezuela accuses the U.S. of destabilizing their government in pursuit of regime change.
FAA's Warning about Flights
The American aviation regulator recently deemed flying over Venezuela perilous. Following the FAA's warning, three international airlines canceled their Venezuelan flights on Saturday. With Trump's latest statement, more stringent airspace regulations may follow.
Classifying a Venezuelan Group as a Terrorist Organization
The U.S. plans to label Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, asserting Maduro's connection to the cartel, which Maduro refutes. According to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, once declared terrorist, new options emerge for the U.S., potentially involving attacks on Venezuela's assets and infrastructure.
