Venezuela Condemns U.S. Airspace Closure Declaration Amid Rising Tensions

Venezuela has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's recent declaration that the airspace over and surrounding the country is "closed in its entirety." The Venezuelan government described the statement as a "colonialist threat" and an infringement on its sovereignty, asserting that such actions are incompatible with international law.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump addressed various groups, including airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers, advising them to consider Venezuelan airspace as closed.

This development follows a series of U.S. military strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Since September, these operations have resulted in at least 83 fatalities.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has criticized these U.S. military actions, stating that they are "unacceptable" and must cease. Türk emphasized that such strikes violate international human rights law and called for an investigation into the incidents.

In response to the escalating situation, Venezuela's National Assembly has initiated an investigation into the U.S. military strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats near its coast and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced the formation of a special commission to conduct a thorough inquiry, involving the national prosecutor's office.

Amid these tensions, President Trump confirmed having a phone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier in the month, though details of the discussion were not disclosed.

The situation continues to develop as both nations navigate the complexities of international law, sovereignty, and regional security.