Caracas Denounces “Illegal Aggression”
Venezuela strongly condemned Donald Trump after he claimed the country’s 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 close another nation’s airspace and accused Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat”. The US expanded its military presence near Venezuela and carried out at least 21 strikes on boats it alleged carried drugs, killing more than 80 people. Washington provided no evidence. President Nicolás Maduro said the 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 Criticizes Trump’s Escalation
Lawmakers from both parties reacted strongly to Trump’s comments. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said Trump’s “reckless actions” push the US toward “another costly foreign war” and emphasized only Congress can declare war. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a close Trump ally, repeated the warning, stressing that Congress holds the sole authority to declare war.
Airlines Suspend Flights Amid Tensions
The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning 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 staged coastal exercises. State TV showed anti-aircraft weapons and heavy artillery being moved into position.
US Military Deployment Escalates Pressure
The US deployed the USS Gerald Ford and about 15,000 troops near Venezuelan waters. Officials said the operation targets drug trafficking. This deployment 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, though other regional leaders welcomed Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Label Widens Diplomatic Rift
The US designated Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organisation and claimed Maduro leads the group. The designation allows US authorities broader powers to dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry “categorically, firmly, and absolutely” rejected the label, calling it another hostile act.
