US President Donald Trump announced on his social media account that the airspace over and around Venezuela would be completely closed. Trump’s statement added a new dimension to the ongoing political tensions in the region and dominated the international aviation agenda.
In his post, Trump addressed airlines and pilots, saying, “All parties, including drug dealers and human traffickers, beware.”
The Timing Coincided With Maduro Claims
Trump’s airspace announcement came immediately after reports in the US press alleging that Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had spoken on the phone. The timing was interpreted as a sign that Washington would take new and tougher steps against the Caracas administration.
Venezuela Sanctions Six Airlines: THY and Iberia Also on the List
Just days before these developments, the Venezuelan government announced that it had revoked the operating rights of several international airlines that had suspended their flights due to security risks in the country. The decision cited security warnings issued by Western countries following the US military buildup in the region and airlines halting their operations.
Among the six companies whose operating rights were revoked are Iberia and Turkish Airlines (THY). The decision was interpreted as a sign that aviation traffic in Latin America would shrink even further.
Trump: “A ground operation against drug trafficking is beginning”
In another statement earlier in the week, Trump said that operations targeting ground objectives would soon begin in order to halt Venezuela-based drug trafficking.
Addressing US troops virtually, Trump claimed that shipments made via maritime routes had been reduced and said, “Next is land. Land is easier and will begin very soon.” It was reported that the Washington administration had accelerated its operational preparations in the region.
