President Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the perilous nature of Venezuelan airspace, urging caution for those considering travel in the region.
"To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," he declared on social media, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As reported by The Washington Times, this cautionary statement follows an advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recently alerted pilots to "exercise caution" when navigating Venezuelan skies. The FAA cited an escalating security situation and increased military activity as reasons for concern, noting that unspecified threats could jeopardize aircraft at all altitudes, including those taking off, landing, or stationed on the ground.
In response, several international airlines, such as TAP, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol, and Caribbean, have begun canceling flights to Venezuela.
Despite these warnings, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed a contrasting viewpoint on social media platform X, advocating for continued air travel to and from Latin American nations. "There must be regular flights to all Latin American countries and from Latin America and the world," he stated, adding, "Countries are not blocked, because blocking countries means blocking people, and that is a crime against humanity."
The heightened security measures coincide with President Trump's intensified efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom the administration deems illegitimate. Maduro is currently facing narcoterrorism charges in the United States. In recent months, the administration has conducted operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the destruction of over 20 boats and the deaths of at least 80 individuals.
President Trump contends that these actions have been instrumental in preventing drugs from crossing U.S. borders, thereby safeguarding American citizens.
The U.S. has also increased its military presence in the region, deploying bombers along the Venezuelan coast and positioning the USS Gerald R. Fords carrier group nearby. In response, Venezuela has mobilized troops and civilians to defend against potential American aggression. While some lawmakers, including Republicans, have questioned the legality of these maritime strikes, Trump supporters have lauded the operations for their role in protecting American lives.
During a Thanksgiving call, President Trump commended service members for their efforts in Venezuela, stating, "In recent weeks, youve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there arent too many coming in by sea anymore."
He further hinted at the possibility of future land-based operations, asserting, "You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon. We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country."
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