Venezuela slams Trump’s ‘colonialist threat’ over airspace closure
Trump’s intentions behind the post remain unclear, but it could discourage airlines from flying in the region. The US has increased its military presence nearby and carried out at least 21 strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs, resulting in over 80 deaths. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro maintains that the US accusations are aimed at removing him from power.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote: "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."
The White House has not issued a comment. Meanwhile, some US lawmakers from both parties criticized Trump for bypassing Congress. "President Trump's reckless actions towards Venezuela are pushing America closer and closer to another costly foreign war," top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer posted on X on Sunday. "Under our Constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war." Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene added: "Reminder, Congress has the sole power to declare war."
The warning comes after the US Federal Aviation Administration highlighted "heightened military activity in and around Venezuela." In response, Venezuela’s military conducted coastal exercises, displaying anti-aircraft systems and other artillery.
The US has also deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford along with approximately 15,000 troops near Venezuela, claiming the mission targets drug trafficking. Trump stated earlier that US operations to stop Venezuelan drug shipments "by land" would begin "very soon."
Venezuela asserts that Washington’s real goal is to remove Maduro, whose recent re-election faced allegations of fraud. The US has designated the alleged criminal group Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization, granting broader powers to law enforcement and military agencies. Caracas has "categorically, firmly, and absolutely rejected" the designation.
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