Escalation to War?
Trump Slams Shut Venezuela's Skies
In a bold midnight decree on Truth Social, President Trump declares Venezuela's airspace "closed in its entirety," targeting airlines, pilots, and narco-traffickers amid CIA ops and Caribbean strikes. As Maduro vows defiance and tensions skyrocket, is invasion imminent?
President Donald Trump announced via a Truth Social post that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety."
The declaration, addressed pointedly to "all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers," appears to escalate ongoing U.S. tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, amid accusations of Maduro's involvement in drug trafficking (which he denies) and U.S. military operations in the region, as reported by Politico.
This move comes as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on Venezuela, including authorizing covert CIA operations and a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean focused on counter-narcotics efforts.
Since September, the U.S. has conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in at least 83 deaths.
Trump has also informed U.S. military personnel that land operations to target suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers could begin "very soon."
Reuters explained that the airspace closure aligns with broader U.S. efforts to isolate Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 and claims Trump aims to oust him, vowing resistance from Venezuelan citizens and military.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already issued a warning to major airlines about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela, citing a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity."
In response, several international airlines suspended flights, prompting Venezuela to revoke operating rights for six major carriers.
Trump's declaration could further disrupt commercial aviation, shipping, and regional travel, potentially affecting drug interdiction efforts as well. No immediate enforcement details were provided, and the U.S. Defense Department has not commented.
Venezuela's government has not immediately responded to the announcement.
On X (formerly Twitter), the news spread rapidly today, with users interpreting it as a prelude to invasion or war.
Some criticized it as an aggressive move for oil control, while others questioned its legality under international law, while media outlets like GB News and Al Jazeera framed it as part of growing military tensions.