Trump did not explain the reasons for his decision or provide further details.
A warning (NOTAM) for planes flying over Venezuela was issued a week earlier by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It ordered airmen to use caution when flying through the region that includes Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean Sea at all altitudes due to the “deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in and around Venezuela.”
The American president's entry is another element of the tug of war between the US and Venezuela. The Trump administration has been accusing President Nicolas Maduro for a long time for cooperation with smuggling organizations, including the Cartel de los Soles gangwho is believed to be involved in supplying drugs to the United States. Maduro firmly denies these allegations, pointing out that they are part of a campaign to overthrow him.
On November 14, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, the aim of which is to fight “narco-terrorists” in the Western Hemisphere. “President Trump has ordered action and the War Department is implementing it,” Hegseth wrote on X. The mission is being led by U.S. Southern Command, which is responsible for Latin America except Mexico.
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Why did Donald Trump close the airspace over Venezuela?
What warning did the FAA issue regarding Venezuela?
What is Operation Southern Spear?
How did airlines react to Trump's decision?
Tension between the US and Venezuela
According to two US officials, the Trump administration is considering various scenarios, including actions to remove Maduro from power. The president of Venezuela, who has ruled the country since 2013, has repeatedly emphasized that his citizens and military are ready to oppose any attempt at interference from the US.
Meanwhile, tension in the region is growing. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to airlines, pointing to a “potentially hazardous situation” over Venezuela. In response to these recommendations, three international airlines canceled their flights on Saturday. Meanwhile, the US military continues to build up its forces in the Caribbean, which has been ongoing for several months, and President Trump has authorized covert CIA operations in the region.
