Amid simmering US-Venezuela tensions, US President Donald Trump in a TruthSocial post has now warned airlines that Venezuelan airspace is closed “in its entirety” as he considers stronger actions against President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
This comes in the background of increased military strikes by the US against alleged drug smuggling vessels reported in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Venezuela revoked 6 airlines’ operations
Recently, six major international airlines had their operating rights revoked by Venezuela after suspending flights into the country citing safety concerns.
The airlines included Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile’s and Brazil’s LATAM, Brazil’s Gol and Turkish Airlines.
Venezuelan authorities said the decision was taken against the carriers for joining “the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government”, Al Jazeera reported.
US regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), had also issued advisories warning airlines about the heightened risks of operating in Venezuelan airspace due to the growing military presence and instability in the region.
Trump threatens operations in Venezuela
Trump has threatened to launch land-based operations in Venezuela “very soon” to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers, notably targeting the so-called Cartel de los Soles, which the Trump administration plans to designate as a foreign terrorist organisation.
The US Defense Department has increased military activity near Venezuela with bomber flights and the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford along with its strike group to the Caribbean.
What is Trump’s view on Maduro?
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the Trump administration views Maduro’s regime as illegitimate, accusing him of leading narcoterrorism operations, charges Maduro denies.
While Trump indicated a willingness to talk directly with Maduro, he stressed that the US could take the “hard way” to resolve the crisis if diplomatic efforts fail, The Guardian had reported.
Maduro has condemned the US military build-up as an act of neo-colonial aggression and vowed Venezuela would respond with force if attacked.
