Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared the airspace above and near Venezuela as “completely closed.” The announcement, made via his Truth Social platform, comes amidst escalating tensions between the United States and the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump directly addressed airlines, pilots, and, notably, “drug dealers and human traffickers,” urging them to refrain from using the specified airspace. The declaration has already drawn strong condemnation from Cuba, which views the move as a blatant attempt by Washington to “overthrow the legitimate government” of Venezuela.
This development coincides with an increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean Sea, including the deployment of a large aircraft carrier. Washington maintains that this military build-up is aimed at combating drug trafficking routes toward American soil.
Caracas has repeatedly asserted that U.S. actions are designed to oust Maduro and seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Washington, however, insists that its military operations target transnational criminal networks involved in trafficking.
Since early September, U.S. forces have reportedly conducted strikes against numerous vessels suspected of involvement in drug smuggling activities in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific. These operations have resulted in casualties and a further heightening of regional tensions.
Adding another layer to the complex situation, reports have emerged of a phone call between Trump and Maduro last week, during which the possibility of a meeting in the United States was discussed. This revelation follows Trump’s recent announcement of a plan to halt drug trafficking by land, further straining relations between Washington and Caracas. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
