Caracas Decries “Unlawful Aggression”
Venezuela reacted strongly after Donald Trump said its airspace should be treated as fully closed. The foreign ministry called his comments “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials said the United States has no legal authority to restrict another country’s airspace. They accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat”. The US has expanded its military presence in the region and launched at least 21 strikes on boats it claimed carried drugs, killing over 80 people. Washington offered no evidence. President Nicolás Maduro said the 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 an international news request.
Congress Questions Trump’s Actions
Trump’s threat drew criticism from lawmakers across both parties. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer warned that Trump’s “reckless actions” push the US toward “another costly foreign war”. He emphasized that only Congress can declare war. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously a close Trump ally, echoed the warning, reminding that Congress holds sole war-declaring authority.
Airlines Suspend Flights Amid Warnings
The US Federal Aviation Administration issued alerts about “heightened military activity in and around Venezuela”. Several major carriers suspended flights afterward. 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 drills. State TV showed anti-aircraft weapons and heavy artillery moving into positions.
US Military Deployment Raises Tension
The US deployed the USS Gerald Ford and about 15,000 troops near Venezuela. 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 stop Venezuelan drug trafficking “by land” would begin “very soon”. Venezuelan leaders said Washington seeks to topple Maduro, whose re-election faced international criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the US uses “violence to dominate” Latin America, while other leaders supported Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Label Escalates Diplomatic Rift
The US designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation, alleging Maduro leads the group. The designation gives US authorities wider powers to dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry “categorically, firmly, and absolutely” rejected the label, calling it another hostile act.
