Trump announces closure of Venezuelan airspace

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that airspace over Venezuela is closed.

According to Caliber.Az, Trump made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social page, stating:

"To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have surged sharply in the past weeks. The Donald J. Trump administration has ramped up pressure on Venezuela, launching a new phase of operations reportedly aimed at eroding the rule of Nicolás Maduro. 

In response, Caracas revoked the flight rights of several major international airlines that had suspended routes following a safety warning by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has mobilised troops and militia along coasts and borders and begun military exercises, warning that any external aggression would prompt a “republic in arms.” 

By Aghakazim Guliyev