Former US President Donald Trump has declared the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be entirely closed, marking a significant escalation in pressure on the South American nation's government.
Trump's Social Media Declaration
In a post made on Saturday on his Truth Social platform, Trump issued a stark warning to various groups. The president stated: "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."
Background and FAA Warning
This dramatic announcement follows last week's warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to major airlines about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuelan territory. The aviation authority cited a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity" in or around the country as reasons for concern.
In response to these developments, Venezuela has taken retaliatory measures by revoking operating rights for six major international airlines that had previously suspended flights to the country following the FAA's initial warning.
Growing Tensions and Implications
The airspace closure declaration represents the latest move in what observers note as increasing pressure from the Trump administration on Venezuela's government. This development raises significant questions about regional security and international air travel protocols in the Caribbean and South American regions.
Aviation experts express concern about the practical implications of such a closure for commercial airlines that typically use these routes, while political analysts see it as another chapter in the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the United States and Venezuela.
