Trump continues to exert pressure on Venezuela, insisting that its airspace be regarded as closed.

On Saturday, the United States escalated its campaign against Venezuela, as former President Donald Trump issued a sweeping warning via social media. He cautioned airlines, pilots, and criminal organizations to avoid Venezuelan airspace entirely. Please consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety, Trump posted on Truth Social.

This move comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to remove Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro from power. While officially aimed at curbing illegal migration and drug trafficking, the administration acknowledges that regime change could result from these policies.

Venezuelas Foreign Minister criticized Trumps directive, labeling it a colonialist threat and an extravagant, illegal, and unjustified aggression against the people of Venezuela. The US, he stressed, does not have the authority to close another nations airspace.

Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines of a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela and advised caution. Although direct US flights to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, some US carriers still cross Venezuelan airspace on South American routes.

Recently, Trump has publicly supported operations targeting Venezuelan drug traffickers, confirming plans for CIA activities within the country. Earlier this week, he also labeled Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization, expanding the US militarys options in the region. Trump hinted that land strikes in Venezuela could occur soon, stating during a Thanksgiving call with service members that stopping drug trafficking by land would begin shortly.

Senator Lindsey Graham praised the presidents approach, expressing support for addressing drug caliphate countries in the region, especially Venezuela.

The US military has deployed over a dozen warships and 15,000 troops under Operation Southern Spear. Anti-drug-trafficking operations have resulted in numerous casualties.

In response, Maduro has sought to demonstrate resilience. In a televised address, he urged troops to remain prepared and defend Venezuela, calling the nation a republic in arms.

Trumps team, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, continues to explore military options against Maduro. Although diplomatic channels were cut off in October, Trump recently indicated openness to communication, noting that Maduro would like to talk. Reports indicate phone discussions between the two leaders occurred last week, with ongoing negotiations through various channels.

Trump framed these efforts as prioritizing the saving of lives, suggesting flexibility in how to approach Maduro despite the recent terrorist designation. Earlier informal discussions revealed Maduro might consider stepping down in the future, but US officials remain committed to his immediate removal.

Meanwhile, Venezuelans are responding with a mix of apprehension and resignation. The nation has faced political instability, economic collapse, protests, and failed coups over the past decade. Some residents, like a Caracas waitress named Marilyn, remain uncertain about potential US military actions, stating they dont really follow the news.

Despite the tension, daily life continues. Government repression persists, with at least 54 people detained in October for dissent, including sharing anti-Maduro messages online. Public life carries on, blending holiday celebrations with Maduros frequent media appearances. On Monday, he claimed Venezuela is invincible and asserted that US efforts would not succeed in defeating the country.

Reporting from Caracas, Stefano Pozzebon, CNN.

Author: Sophia Brooks