Venezuela Condemns Trump’s Airspace Closure Warning as ‘Colonialist Threat’

Venezuela has responded firmly to remarks made by former US President Donald Trump regarding the country’s airspace. The Venezuelan foreign ministry labeled Trump’s comments as a “colonialist threat” and an “extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression” towards its people.

Trump’s Airspace Warning

In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged airlines and individuals to consider the airspace above Venezuela as entirely closed. This statement comes in light of heightened military activities recently noted by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the region.

Venezuelan Response

Venezuela’s government criticized the US for what it termed unilateral actions affecting travel and migration. The foreign ministry noted that the US had “unilaterally suspended” its weekly migrant repatriation flights.

Airline Bans and Military Presence

• Venezuela banned six international airlines—Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines—after they did not comply with a flight resumption deadline.
• The US has deployed significant military assets, including the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and approximately 15,000 troops near Venezuela, claiming it is part of efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Accusations of Drug Trafficking

Trump’s warning about drug trafficking operations seems aimed at justifying US military presence in the region. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has consistently refuted US allegations of drug trafficking and suggested that they are an effort to undermine his government.

Claims and Counterclaims

The US has conducted at least 21 military strikes on vessels suspected of carrying drugs, leading to over 80 fatalities. However, evidence supporting these claims has not been provided. The Venezuelan government asserts that these actions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize and remove Maduro from power.

Cartel of the Suns Designation

The US has designated the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization. This label empowers US law enforcement to take more robust actions against it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry has completely rejected this designation. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s interior and justice minister, who is linked to the cartel, has called the allegations unfounded.

International Reactions

Venezuela is reaching out to the global community, urging them to reject what it deems as aggressive actions by the US. The Venezuelan government calls on international bodies and sovereign governments to stand against these perceived threats.