The president of the United States, Donald Trump, warned this Saturday that the airspace over and around Venezuela should be considered “completely closed.” The message, published on his social network Truth, was directed at airlines, pilots and even alleged drug and human traffickers, without offering additional details about the measure.

This decision occurs in a context of growing tension between Washington and Caracas, marked by a US military deployment in the Caribbean and the Pacific under Operation Southern Spear, which seeks to pressure the government of Nicolás Maduro. Although Trump assures that the measure is aimed at stopping drug trafficking, the Venezuelan regime interprets it as a strategy to generate a change of government.

The warning has already had immediate effects: at least six airlines suspended their flights to and from Venezuela, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam, GOL and Turkish Airlines. Venezuelan authorities criticized the suspension and pointed out that it constitutes a unilateral action of “state terrorism” by the United States.

This might interest you: Attention! Avianca announced that it will have to cancel several flights in the country the other week due to an update

As reported The New York TimesUS President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly held a telephone conversation last week to evaluate a possible meeting. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by either government. At the same time, Trump warned that efforts to stop drug trafficking from Venezuela by land are “imminent,” increasing uncertainty in the region.

International experts warn that the measure could generate conflicts with international law and affect security and regional air transport. The US Administration had already recommended caution to airlines due to the intensification of military activity in the area.

The closure of airspace, together with the suspension of flights and growing military pressure, reinforces a climate of tension in the region and keeps both Venezuela and neighboring countries on alert, while the international community closely observes the next moves of both governments.