Over the weekend, President Donald Trump intensified the United States’ focus on Venezuela, issuing a directive via social media that warned airlines and pilots to avoid flying over the country entirely.
“Consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela as completely closed,” he posted on Truth Social.
This marks another chapter in the Trump administration’s campaign to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. Although officials claim the purpose is to combat illegal migration and drug trafficking, there’s also the looming reality of regime change at play.
The reaction from Venezuela’s foreign minister was swift, describing Trump’s directive as a “colonialist threat” and an “extravagant, illegal, and unjustified aggression.” It’s a bold statement considering the constraints on a foreign nation declaring another country’s airspace closed. In fact, just last week, the Federal Aviation Administration issued warnings to airlines about possible risks when flying over Venezuela, advising them to be cautious as U.S. airlines have halted direct flights there since 2019.
Recently, Trump acknowledged approving CIA operations within Venezuela to tackle illicit drug flows. Just this week, he also labeled Maduro and his associates as members of a “foreign terrorist organization,” a move he said would broaden U.S. options for military action. Shortly thereafter, Trump hinted at potential imminent land strikes in Venezuela.
During a Thanksgiving call with military personnel, he emphasized the need to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers and noted a decline in sea-based trafficking, stating that land operations would begin soon.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his support for the president’s statements regarding military involvement in Venezuela, commending Trump’s determination to confront drug trafficking in the region.
The U.S. military has been mobilizing significant resources, under the operation d “Operation Southern Spear,” which has included over a dozen warships and around 15,000 troops stationed nearby. Anti-drug efforts in the area have led to violent confrontations, with scores killed in the process.
On the Venezuelan side, Maduro remains defiant. He urged his troops to stay composed and reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to defend itself, calling Venezuela “a republic in arms” during a recent televised motivation.
Despite having cut diplomatic ties with Venezuela in October, Trump appeared to open the door last week for potential discussions with Maduro, suggesting that if engagements could lead to saving lives, he might consider them.
Discussions of a possible deal around Maduro’s future have circulated amongst officials, but predictions indicate that he might be reluctant to step down anytime soon.
As this escalates, responses within Venezuela have ranged from acceptance of a tense status quo to outright fear. Citizens are understandably nervous about potential U.S. military action but are continuing with their daily routines amid a backdrop of government repression, including arrests of those openly criticizing Maduro.
A local waitress named Marilyn, reflecting on the chaos around her, noted that despite her anxiety over possible military intervention, many are questioning, “Will they bomb? Will they not bomb?” It seems that several conversations are taking place behind closed doors, but publicly, life advances.
On television, Maduro maintains a constant presence, promising that Venezuela will not be defeated under any circumstances.
Reported from Caracas, Venezuela by CNN’s Stefano Pozzebon.
