The Venezuelan government has expressed strong disapproval following President Trump's announcement on Friday regarding the closure of Venezuelan airspace, labeling it a "hostile, unilateral, and arbitrary act."
In a statement released by Maduro's foreign ministry on Saturday, they criticized the measure, which Trump has yet to specify how it will be enforced, as "an explicit threat of force."
The statement further argued that such pronouncements are part of a continuous policy of aggression against Venezuela, suggesting that they reflect colonial ambitions over Latin America and the Caribbean while disregarding international law.
The Venezuelan authorities firmly reject any closure, claiming it violates international law, as "no foreign authority has the right to interfere, block, or condition the use of our national airspace."
They insist that they will not succumb to "orders, threats, or meddling from any foreign power."
Additionally, they accused the Trump Administration of unilaterally suspending the flights of Venezuelan migrants, citing the deportation of 13,956 migrants on 75 flights.
The Maduro regime has issued a "direct appeal to the international community, sovereign governments worldwide, the United Nations, and relevant multilateral organizations" to denounce "this immoral act of aggression."
Venezuela, they assert, will respond "with dignity, legality, and all the strength that international law and anti-imperialist spirit provide."
On Friday, Trump declared a complete closure of the airspace over and around Venezuela, a move that significantly heightens regional tensions and marks a new chapter in the ongoing confrontation with Nicolás Maduro's regime.
In a message posted on his social media, Trump directed the order to "all airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers," emphasizing that the Venezuelan airspace is "to be considered entirely closed."
The message, written in uppercase letters, has been interpreted as a direct military warning to both civil aviation and illicit operations related to drug and human trafficking in the area.
International analysts have viewed the U.S. president's statement as a potential prelude to military actions against the Chavista regime, given that a total airspace closure often precedes military operations or strategic air blockades.
Amid the current situation — with increased U.S. naval and air presence in the Caribbean — the warning could be seen as a preparatory phase for complete isolation of Venezuela, aiming to disrupt supply routes, drug trafficking, and international support for Maduro's government.
The airspace closure may impact commercial flights connecting Caribbean and South American countries and represents one of Washington's most severe measures since it began its offensive against the Cartel of the Suns.
Experts believe the presidential order marks a high point of military and political pressure on Venezuela, amid the growing mobilization of U.S. forces in the Caribbean and the Chavista regime's anxiety over potential more decisive actions.
Implications of U.S. Airspace Closure over Venezuela
What is the reason behind Trump's airspace closure over Venezuela?
President Trump's closure of Venezuelan airspace is part of a strategy to exert maximum pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime, aimed at disrupting illicit activities and isolating Venezuela.
How will the closure of Venezuelan airspace affect international flights?
The closure could disrupt commercial flights connecting the Caribbean and South American nations, potentially affecting travel and trade routes.
Could this lead to military action against Venezuela?
The closure has been interpreted by some analysts as a precursor to military operations, given that such actions often precede military engagement or strategic blockades.