US President Donald Trump has instructed airlines to consider the airspace above and around Venezuela as ’closed,’ significantly escalating tensions. The warning, issued via his Truth Social platform, was also directed at ’pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers.’ This follows a prior US Federal Aviation Administration alert citing worsening security and increased military activity in the region, which poses risks to aircraft at all altitudes.
The announcement has led several international carriers, including TAP, Avianca, and Gol, to suspend flights over or to Venezuela. In response, the Maduro government revoked the licenses of these airlines, accusing them of adhering to ’state terrorism actions promoted by the US government.’ Trump has also stated that ground offensives against narcotrafficking in Venezuela should begin ’very soon,’ signaling a potential expansion of US military operations beyond the maritime domain.
Reports indicate Trump recently called Maduro, with discussions reportedly touching on a potential meeting. The US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships and aircraft, while also designating the alleged ’Cartel de los Soles’ as a terrorist organization, directly accusing Maduro of leadership. This series of actions points towards a rapidly deteriorating diplomatic situation with potential for military conflict.
