Caracas Calls Action Illegal and Aggressive
Venezuela strongly condemned Donald Trump after he declared 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 and accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat.” The US expanded its military presence near Venezuela and conducted at least 21 strikes on boats it claimed carried drugs, killing over 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 an international news request.
Congress Warns Against Escalation
Trump’s comments sparked sharp criticism from US lawmakers. 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, formerly a close Trump ally, echoed the warning, stressing Congress holds the sole authority to declare war.
Flights Suspended Amid Heightened Tension
The US Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines of “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 governments, the UN, and international organisations to reject what it described as an “immoral act of aggression.” On the same day, the Venezuelan military conducted coastal drills. State TV broadcast images of anti-aircraft weapons and heavy artillery being moved into positions.
US Deployment Adds Pressure
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 officials 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 Intensifies Dispute
The US designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation and alleged 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.
