Trump Declared Venezuelan Sky Closed for Flights
US President Donald Trump called for the airspace over Venezuela to be considered closed. The statement was made amidst tense relations with the Venezuelan government.
Through his social network, Truth Social, Trump cautioned airlines, pilots, as well as drug traffickers and human traffickers against flying over Venezuela and the surrounding regions. Despite this statement, the Flightradar24 platform shows that flights over the region continue. The day before, Trump had a telephone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, discussing the possibility of a personal meeting.
This move occurred against the backdrop of the US decision to recognize Maduro as a participant in a foreign terrorist organization. Military activity in the region increased — on October 24, the US deployed B-1 bombers near the Venezuelan coast, and the next day sent a carrier strike group to Latin America. Concurrently, the US continues strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
President Maduro, observing the growing US military presence, reached out to Russia, China, and Iran for support in strengthening the country’s military capabilities. Additionally, the Venezuelan authorities intend to deploy old Russian weaponry to organize a possible guerrilla war. The Venezuelan Defense Minister also announced a large-scale military operation in the region targeted against drug trafficking.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 24 | Deployment of B-1 bombers off the coast of Venezuela |
| October 25 | Dispatch of a carrier strike group to Latin America |
| October 31 | Maduro reached out to Russia, China, and Iran for military help |
| November 12 | Venezuela’s plans to deploy Russian weaponry |
| November 14 | Announcement of a military operation against drug trafficking |
