Should the Airspace Above Venezuela Be Considered Closed?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump's declaration on Venezuela's airspace signals heightened tensions.
- The U.S. military is actively targeting drug trafficking operations.
- Maduro denies allegations of drug involvement and criticizes U.S. actions.
- Potential diplomatic discussions are underway between the two leaders.
- Sanctions against the Cartel de los Soles reflect U.S. policy towards Venezuela.
Washington, Nov 29 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump asserted on Saturday that the airspace above and around Venezuela should be deemed completely closed.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump urged, "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY." No further details were provided.
This declaration comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
Since early September, the Pentagon has conducted over 20 strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and East Pacific, resulting in more than 80 casualties, according to reports from Xinhua. Additionally, the U.S. military's presence in the Caribbean intensified in mid-November with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, a significant aircraft carrier, marking the highest level of military presence seen in three decades.
In remarks made during Thanksgiving to U.S. troops, Trump hinted that the U.S. may act on land against drug trafficking networks in Venezuela very soon.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has rejected any allegations of involvement in drug trafficking, accusing Washington of concocting a rationale for regime change.
The New York Times reported that Trump had a phone conversation with Maduro last week, discussing the potential for an in-person meeting, though no plans have been confirmed. Both the White House and the Venezuelan government have refrained from commenting.
On November 24, the U.S. officially designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization and imposed sanctions, claiming it is led by Maduro.
The Venezuelan government has condemned this designation, labeling it a ludicrous falsehood aimed at interfering in its domestic matters.
According to reports, Trump's conversation with Maduro, which included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, occurred shortly before the sanctions took effect. Two sources close to the Venezuelan government confirmed the call took place.
A source cited by Axios mentioned that Trump is inclined to communicate directly with Maduro, stating, "There's more talk about talking and less talk about bombing."
One official familiar with the situation indicated that while plans for military action remain uncertain, they are not currently in motion.
This decision by Trump marks a significant point in his diplomatic approach towards Venezuela and may suggest that immediate U.S. missile strikes or military action are not forthcoming.