Venezuela has condemned US President Donald Trump's statement that the airspace around the country should be considered closed.
The country's foreign ministry called Trump's comments another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people.
The US does not have legal authority to close another country’s airspace, asserting that Trump made a colonialist threat.
The US has built its military presence in the area and conducted at least 21 strikes on boats it claims were carrying drugs, resulting in over 80 casualties. However, no evidence has been provided, and Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro stated that these US actions are aimed at destabilizing his government.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.
The White House had not responded to the BBC's inquiry for comments on the matter.
Several members of the US Congress, from both the Democratic and Republican parties, expressed concern over Trump's unilateral approach without legislative approval. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer highlighted that such reckless actions could lead the US closer to another costly foreign conflict.
Last week, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had cautioned airlines about heightened military activities near Venezuela, leading major airlines to suspend their flights. Caracas subsequently withdrew the take-off and landing rights from these airlines.
Venezuela's foreign ministry urged the global community, including the UN, to reject what they termed as an immoral act of aggression. In a display of military readiness, Venezuela conducted exercises along its coast that featured anti-aircraft and other artillery operations.
The US has deployed the USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, alongside around 15,000 troops in the region, claiming the operation aims to combat drug trafficking.
Trump last warned of impending military actions against Venezuela's drug trafficking activities, stirring fears of a humanitarian crisis led by Foreign Affairs power dynamics in Latin America.
Venezuela's government believes the ultimate goal of these US actions is the removal of President Maduro, whose last election is widely deemed illegitimate.
In a broader context, the US has labeled the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly linked to Maduro’s administration, as a foreign terrorist organization, which enhances military and legal powers for US agencies against it.
The Venezuelan government has categorically rejected this designation, reiterating its stance against US interference in its sovereignty.
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