Government Denounces US Threat
Venezuela reacts with strong anger to Donald Trump’s claim that the nation’s airspace should be treated as closed. The foreign ministry calls his message “another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people”. Officials say the United States holds no lawful authority to shut another country’s airspace. They accuse Trump of making a “colonialist threat” that undermines global standards.
Military Moves Heighten Regional Strain
The United States expands its military presence near Venezuela. US forces carry out at least 21 strikes on boats they say transported drugs. More than 80 people die in these strikes. Washington presents no evidence to support its claims. President Nicolás Maduro says the United States aims to remove him from power. Trump writes on Truth Social that 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.
Congress Pushes Back Against Trump
Trump’s threat sparks anger across the US Congress. Lawmakers from both parties criticise him for bypassing congressional approval. Chuck Schumer warns that Trump pushes the United States toward another costly foreign conflict. He stresses that only Congress can declare war under the constitution. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of Trump’s closest allies, repeats that same point.
Airlines Cancel Flights After New Warnings
Trump’s claim follows a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration. The agency alerts airlines to increased military activity around Venezuela. Several major carriers suspend flights soon after. Caracas then removes their take-off and landing rights. Venezuela’s foreign ministry urges governments and international bodies to reject what it calls an immoral act of aggression. The Venezuelan military conducts coastal exercises the same day. State television shows anti-aircraft systems and heavy artillery moving into position.
Large US Deployment Near Venezuelan Coasts
The United States deploys the USS Gerald Ford, its largest aircraft carrier, along with about 15,000 troops. Washington says the deployment targets drug trafficking networks. This becomes the largest US presence in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Trump warns that efforts to block alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking by land will begin very soon. Venezuelan officials say Washington wants to topple Maduro, whose disputed re-election faced broad criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro says the United States uses violence to dominate Latin America, though some leaders support Trump’s stance.
Terrorist Label Deepens Diplomatic Clash
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 gives US agencies wider powers to dismantle it. Venezuela’s foreign ministry rejects the label “categorically, firmly and absolutely”, calling it another unjust attack.
