Venezuela Denounces US-Colonialist Threat as Trump Orders Airspace Closure
The Venezuelan government has fiercely rejected US President Donald Trump's announcement to close all airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, labeling it a "colonialist threat" to its sovereignty. In a statement, the government asserted that such actions would be a blatant violation of international law.
Trump made the provocative claim on Truth Social, stating that he was instructing airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers to consider closing the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela in its entirety. The Venezuelan government has taken umbrage with this statement, saying it demands respect for its territorial integrity and would not accept foreign orders or threats.
As a result of Trump's directive, all migrant deportation flights were "unilaterally suspended" by the Venezuelan government. This move comes as the US administration continues to engage in its mass deportation program, with deportation flights to Venezuela being a contentious point of contention.
The US Defense Department has yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter. However, Trump's actions have been part of a broader military buildup in the region and covert CIA operations authorized by him. The president recently told military personnel that the US would "very soon" begin land operations to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers.
The situation was already tense following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela due to worsening security conditions and heightened military activity. Venezuela had revoked operating rights for six major international airlines after the FAA advisory.
Critics argue that Trump's actions are part of an effort to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom he accuses of involvement in drug trafficking. Maduro has denied these charges, claiming that Trump is seeking to remove him from power and that Venezuelan citizens and the military will resist such a move.
US forces have been engaged in counter-narcotics operations in the region since September, carrying out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 83 people. However, their presence far outweighs any needed firepower to achieve their objectives.
The Venezuelan government has fiercely rejected US President Donald Trump's announcement to close all airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, labeling it a "colonialist threat" to its sovereignty. In a statement, the government asserted that such actions would be a blatant violation of international law.
Trump made the provocative claim on Truth Social, stating that he was instructing airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers to consider closing the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela in its entirety. The Venezuelan government has taken umbrage with this statement, saying it demands respect for its territorial integrity and would not accept foreign orders or threats.
As a result of Trump's directive, all migrant deportation flights were "unilaterally suspended" by the Venezuelan government. This move comes as the US administration continues to engage in its mass deportation program, with deportation flights to Venezuela being a contentious point of contention.
The US Defense Department has yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter. However, Trump's actions have been part of a broader military buildup in the region and covert CIA operations authorized by him. The president recently told military personnel that the US would "very soon" begin land operations to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers.
The situation was already tense following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela due to worsening security conditions and heightened military activity. Venezuela had revoked operating rights for six major international airlines after the FAA advisory.
Critics argue that Trump's actions are part of an effort to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom he accuses of involvement in drug trafficking. Maduro has denied these charges, claiming that Trump is seeking to remove him from power and that Venezuelan citizens and the military will resist such a move.
US forces have been engaged in counter-narcotics operations in the region since September, carrying out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 83 people. However, their presence far outweighs any needed firepower to achieve their objectives.