The Venezuelan government has condemned Donald Trump's declaration that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is closed, calling it a 'colonialist threat' and a violation of international law. In a statement, Caracas demanded respect for its sovereignty and said it would not accept foreign orders.
President Trump made the announcement on Saturday via a post on Truth Social, warning airlines, pilots, and others to consider the airspace closed in its entirety. The move comes after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week warned carriers of a 'worsening security situation' and 'heightened military activity' in the region.
In response, Venezuela said all migrant deportation flights had been 'unilaterally suspended'. Deportations have been a major issue for the Trump administration as it pursues a mass deportation programme. The US Department of Defense did not immediately comment.
The US has been conducting strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean for months, alongside a military buildup in the region. Trump has also authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela and told troops that land operations to target suspected drug traffickers would begin 'very soon'. Venezuela revoked operating rights for six international airlines that suspended flights after the FAA warning.
The Trump administration accuses President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking, a charge he denies. Maduro, in power since 2013, has said Trump seeks to oust him and that Venezuelans and the military will resist. US forces have carried out at least 21 strikes on suspected drug boats since September, killing at least 83 people.
