Caracas Condemns “Illegal Aggression”
Venezuela reacted angrily after Donald Trump said its airspace should be treated as fully closed. The foreign ministry called the statement “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials said the United States has no legal authority to restrict another nation’s airspace and accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat”. Washington increased its military presence near Venezuela and carried out at least 21 strikes on boats it claimed carried drugs, killing more than 80 people. The US 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 respond immediately to an international news request.
Congress Criticizes Trump’s Escalation
Lawmakers from both parties criticized Trump’s actions. 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, once a close Trump ally, echoed the warning, stressing Congress holds sole war-declaring authority.
Airlines Suspend Flights Amid Rising Tensions
The US Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines about “heightened military activity in and around Venezuela”. Several major airlines 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 called an “immoral act of aggression”. On the same day, the Venezuelan military held coastal drills. State TV showed anti-aircraft weapons and heavy artillery being moved into position.
US Military Deployment Raises 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 operations to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking “by land” would begin “very soon”. Venezuelan leaders said Washington intends 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 supported Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Designation Deepens Rift
The US designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation, claiming Maduro leads the group. The label gives US authorities wider powers to dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry “categorically, firmly, and absolutely” rejected the designation, calling it another hostile act.
