Venezuela Denounces US Pressure
Venezuela reacts angrily to Donald Trump’s claim that the country’s airspace should be considered closed. The foreign ministry calls his message “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials insist the United States holds no legal authority to close another nation’s airspace. They accuse Trump of issuing a “colonialist threat” that violates global norms.
Regional Tensions Intensify
The United States increases its military presence near Venezuela. US forces carry out at least 21 strikes on boats they claim transported drugs. More than 80 people die in these attacks. Washington offers no evidence for the strikes. President Nicolás Maduro says the United States seeks to remove him from office. Trump writes on Truth Social that all airlines, pilots, smugglers and traffickers should view the entire Venezuelan airspace as closed. The White House does not respond to a request for comment from a British broadcaster.
Criticism Mounts in Washington
Trump’s threat sparks frustration among lawmakers in the US Congress. Members from both parties criticise his failure to seek congressional approval. Chuck Schumer warns that Trump pushes the United States toward another costly foreign conflict. He stresses that only Congress possesses the power to declare war. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a strong Trump ally, issues the same constitutional reminder.
Airlines Suspend Flights After New Alerts
Trump’s remarks follow a fresh warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The agency alerts airlines to increased military activity around Venezuela. Several major carriers halt flights soon after. Caracas responds by revoking their take-off and landing rights. Venezuela’s foreign ministry urges global institutions and governments 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 weapons and heavy artillery being moved into position.
US Deployment Raises Alarm in Caracas
The United States deploys the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with about 15,000 troops. Washington claims the move targets drug trafficking networks. The deployment marks the biggest US military 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 believe Washington aims to topple Maduro, whose disputed re-election faced strong criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro says the United States uses violence to dominate Latin America, though some regional leaders support Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Label Brings New Dispute
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 broader powers to confront and dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry rejects the label “categorically, firmly and absolutely”, calling it another aggressive act.
