DOJO – Tensions between Washington and Caracas escalated sharply this weekend after President Donald Trump declared that the airspace “above and surrounding Venezuela” should be considered “closed in its entirety.” Venezuela’s government immediately denounced the statement as a “colonialist threat” and an “extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression.”
What Trump Said
In a Truth Social post, President Trump warned:
“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 has not commented on the message.
Legally, the United States cannot close another sovereign country’s airspace, but such a declaration can create major travel disruptions and deter airlines from flying over the region.
The statement came just days after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of “heightened military activity” around Venezuela.
Venezuela’s Reaction
Caracas forcefully rejected Trump’s move, calling it:
- “Another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression.”
- “A colonialist threat against the Venezuelan people.”
Venezuela also accused the U.S. of “unilaterally suspending” weekly migrant repatriation flights and urged the United Nations and the international community to condemn Washington’s actions.
Earlier in the week, the Maduro government banned six major international airlines — Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca and Turkish Airlines — for failing to meet a deadline to resume operations in the country.
A Growing Military Build-Up
The U.S. has deployed the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with 15,000 troops to the Caribbean under Operation Southern Spear — the biggest American military presence in the region since 1989.
The Pentagon says the mission targets drug trafficking.
Caracas insists it is a cover for regime-change operations.
U.S. forces have already carried out at least 21 strikes on boats believed to be carrying drugs, which left more than 80 people dead. Washington has not publicly provided evidence that the vessels contained narcotics.
Trump has also signaled that U.S. land operations inside Venezuela could begin “very soon,” a statement applauded by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Terrorist Designation and CIA Operations
In another major escalation, the Trump administration designated the Cartel de los Soles — which it alleges is led by President Nicolás Maduro and senior officials — as a foreign terrorist organization.
The designation expands U.S. military and law-enforcement powers.
Venezuela “categorically rejected” the label, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello calling the cartel “an invention.”
Trump also acknowledged approving CIA operations inside Venezuela, further heightening tensions.
Maduro’s Response
President Maduro has dismissed U.S. accusations of drug trafficking as an excuse to depose him.
Addressing soldiers on Thursday, he warned:
“I ask you to remain unshakeable… We are a republic in arms!”
He has also privately signaled willingness to negotiate, according to U.S. officials — even expressing openness to stepping down within 18 months — but Washington insists on an immediate departure.
How Venezuelans Are Feeling
After a decade marked by economic collapse, protests, and attempted coups, Venezuelans say they are used to instability — but the threat of U.S. strikes hangs heavily.
“Will they bomb? Will they not bomb? Who knows,” said Marilyn, a waitress in Caracas who declined to give her full name.
Human rights groups report at least 54 arrests in October for dissent, including people jailed for WhatsApp messages.
Maduro insists Venezuela will not fall.
“They will not defeat Venezuela,” he said Monday. “We are invincible.”
