Trump denies link between closure of Venezuelan airspace and possible US strike

U.S. President Donald Trump has denied any connection between the decision to close U.S. airspace over Venezuela and potential military action.

Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One, Caliber.Az reports, citing the White House YouTube channel.

“We don’t read anything into this,” Trump said when asked by reporters whether the flight restrictions could lead to strikes on the country.

Explaining the reasoning behind his decision, the U.S. president described Venezuela as “not a very friendly country.”

He claimed that “millions of people” arrive in the United States from Venezuela, including prisoners, gang members, and drug traffickers who create “a lot of problems.”

On November 29, Trump urged airlines, pilots, and “drug traffickers” to avoid Venezuelan airspace. Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry interpreted the statement as a threat of force and a violation of the UN Charter.