Trump Declares Venezuela Airspace ‘Completely Closed’ Amid Tensions

URGENT UPDATE: US President Donald Trump has just announced that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is now to be considered “completely closed.” This declaration, made via his social media platform Truth Social this afternoon, sends a stark warning to airlines, pilots, and criminals alike.

Trump’s post stated: “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.” This bold move underscores escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, particularly in the wake of recent military operations targeting drug trafficking.

Despite Trump’s declaration, many airlines still list flights to Venezuela on their booking platforms, raising questions about the impact of this announcement on commercial aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised pilots to “exercise caution” near Venezuelan airspace, citing a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity.”

These developments come as the US military conducts strikes against vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific this month. Tensions are high as these operations intensify, creating a precarious situation for those operating in or near Venezuelan airspace.

The US Department of State previously issued a “Do Not Travel” warning for Americans planning to visit Venezuela, which remains in effect. The warning outlines severe risks including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, emphasizing the dire circumstances faced by anyone traveling to the region.

“Do not travel to or remain in Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure,” the warning states.

As the situation continues to develop, the implications of Trump’s airspace closure could have significant impacts on both commercial operations and humanitarian efforts in the area. The international community is now watching closely to see how airlines respond and what further actions the US government may take.

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