Donald Trump announced on Saturday via Truth Social that he considers the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed. His statement specifically addressed airlines, pilots, and individuals involved in drug trafficking and human trafficking.
Requests for comment on Trump’s declaration were not met with immediate responses from both Venezuela’s communications ministry, which manages press inquiries for the government, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
In recent months, the U.S. has conducted strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and has ramped up military presence in the region. Additionally, Trump has authorized covert CIA operations within Venezuela. During a recent address to military personnel, the president mentioned that the U.S. would soon initiate land operations against suspected drug traffickers in Venezuela.
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to major airlines about a “potentially hazardous situation” for flights over Venezuela, citing a deteriorating security environment and increased military activities in the area. Consequently, Venezuela revoked operating rights for six major international airlines after they had suspended their flights due to the FAA’s advisory.
The Trump administration has alleged that Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president who has been in power since 2013, is engaged in drug trafficking, a claim Maduro has denied. Maduro has accused Trump of attempting to displace him and claims that Venezuelan citizens and the military would resist such efforts.
U.S. military activities in the region have primarily centered around counter-narcotics, although the scale of U.S. military assets present suggests a capacity for wider operations. Since September, U.S. forces have executed at least 21 strikes against suspected drug boats, resulting in at least 83 fatalities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/29/donald-trump-venezuela-airspace-closure