U.S. President Donald Trump announced that, at his discretion, the airspace over and around Venezuela will be considered closed. In a statement, he said that this measure applies to "all airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human smugglers," and he urged that the airspace be respected as completely inaccessible. According to Reuters, this is the most significant step yet taken by the United States to pressure the Venezuelan government, which Washington has long accused of tolerating widespread cocaine and drug trafficking.

In recent months, the U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean. According to U.S. military officials, a naval task force, including a nuclear submarine and several thousand troops, is operating in the region. The United States also claims to have sunk at least twenty fast boats allegedly used by drug traffickers since September, resulting in the deaths of more than eighty people.

Reuters and U.S. media outlets have reported that these operations are being conducted without the consent of the Venezuelan government, raising questions about the legality of their execution in foreign waters.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) had already issued warnings to airlines before Trump's announcement, advising them to avoid flying over Venezuela due to increased military activity and an uncertain security situation. Subsequently, according to The Guardian, Caracas withdrew operating permits from six foreign airlines that had suspended their routes to the country.

The Venezuelan government has described these actions as "hostile" and claims that the United States is seeking a pretext for military intervention.

Trump also suggested that the United States may consider ground operations against drug cartels in the future if Caracas does not cooperate. According to U.S. media reports, this rhetoric could indicate the possibility of further military actions, which is increasing tensions between the two countries.

According to international analysts, the current situation represents one of the most serious escalations in U.S.-Venezuelan relations in recent years. The closure of airspace has an impact on civilian air traffic, trade, and regional stability, and raises questions about the future course of events—especially if the United States were to enforce this measure by force.

gnews.cz - GH