Venezuela recently reacted strongly to comments made by former US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the airspace above Venezuela should be considered closed. The Venezuelan foreign ministry called this statement a “colonialist threat” and “an unjustified aggression” against its people. Trump’s post could create uncertainty for airlines and travelers, even though the US has no legal authority to close another country’s airspace.
Amid rising tensions, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, claiming it’s aimed at combating drug smuggling. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused the US of using drug trafficking as a pretext to undermine his government.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump addressed “airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers,” urging them to avoid Venezuelan airspace. His comments arrived shortly after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning about increased military activity around Venezuela.
Venezuela responded by suspending international flights from six major airlines, including Iberia and Turkish Airlines, for failing to reinstate services. The country’s foreign ministry condemned the US and called on the international community to reject what it labeled an “immoral act of aggression.”
In a display of military power, the US deployed the USS Gerald Ford, its largest aircraft carrier, along with around 15,000 troops near Venezuela. This is the largest deployment in this region since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Trump indicated that US efforts to combat drug trafficking “by land” would begin soon.
While the US claims to have conducted strikes on boats allegedly carrying drugs, they have not provided concrete evidence for these claims. Many believe that the US’s true aim is to remove Maduro from power, especially since his re-election was widely criticized as rigged.
The US has also designated a group called the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, claiming that it has infiltrated Venezuela’s military and government. Venezuelan officials reject this characterization, asserting that it is a fabrication.
Recent statistics indicate that the number of migrant flights between the US and Venezuela has declined, reflecting worsening diplomatic ties. As tensions rise, public opinion in both countries shows a split, with many Venezuelans viewing US actions as hostile, while a significant portion of Americans see the need for intervention due to drug trafficking concerns.
In this complex situation, reactions on social media are mixed, reflecting the polarized views surrounding US-Venezuela relations. The international community watches closely, as the stakes become ever higher.
Source link
