Government Condemns US Remarks
Venezuela reacts with strong anger to Donald Trump’s claim that the nation’s airspace should be treated as closed. The foreign ministry calls his message “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials say the United States holds no legal authority to shut another country’s airspace. They accuse Trump of making a “colonialist threat” that violates international rules.
US Military Activity Raises Regional Tension
The United States expands its military presence near Venezuela. US forces launch at least 21 strikes on boats they claim transported drugs. More than 80 people die in these operations. Washington provides no evidence for its allegations. President Nicolás Maduro says the United States wants to remove him from power. Trump writes on Truth Social that airlines, pilots, smugglers and traffickers should consider all Venezuelan airspace closed. The White House does not answer a request for comment from a British broadcaster.
Congress Questions Trump’s Authority
Trump’s threat sparks criticism across the US Congress. Lawmakers from both parties accuse him of ignoring the need for congressional approval. Chuck Schumer warns that Trump pushes the United States toward another costly foreign conflict. He emphasises that only Congress can declare war under the constitution. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a close Trump ally, issues the same reminder.
Airlines React to New Safety Warnings
Trump’s statement follows a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The agency alerts airlines to increased military activity around Venezuela. Several large carriers suspend flights after the alert. Caracas then removes their take-off and landing rights. Venezuela’s foreign ministry urges world governments and global bodies to reject what it calls an immoral act of aggression. The Venezuelan military conducts coastal drills on the same day. State television shows anti-aircraft systems and heavy artillery moving into position.
US Deployment Sparks Concern in Caracas
The United States deploys the USS Gerald Ford, its largest aircraft carrier, with around 15,000 troops. Washington says the operation targets drug trafficking networks. The deployment becomes the biggest US presence in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Trump warns that efforts to stop alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking by land will begin very soon. Venezuelan officials argue that Washington aims to topple Maduro, whose re-election faced broad criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro says the United States uses violence to dominate Latin America, though some leaders support Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Label Deepens the Diplomatic Rift
The United States designates the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organisation. Washington alleges that Maduro and senior officials lead the group. The designation grants US agencies wider powers to dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry rejects the label “categorically, firmly and absolutely”, calling it another act of political aggression.
