Venezuela has suspended all deportation flights in response to a warning from US President Donald Trump that the airspace above and surrounding the country would be closed. The Venezuelan government described Trump's comments as a 'colonialist threat' against its sovereignty and a violation of international law.
In a defiant statement, the government said it would not accept foreign orders or threats and demanded respect for its airspace. The move escalates tensions between the two countries, which have been strained for years.
Trump's warning on Saturday came amid ongoing US efforts to pressure Venezuela's government, which Washington considers illegitimate. The closure of airspace would affect flights to and from the country, including deportation flights.
The Venezuelan government has not specified how long the suspension of deportation flights will last. The decision is likely to complicate US immigration enforcement, as deportations to Venezuela have been a point of contention.
