UPDATE: The Venezuelan government has swiftly condemned President Donald Trump‘s demand to close airspace over Venezuela, labeling it a “colonialist threat” to national sovereignty. This urgent response follows Trump’s statement on October 14, 2023, where he urged all airlines and pilots to “consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.”
In a statement released shortly after, Venezuelan officials declared Trump’s comments a violation of international law, asserting that no external authority has the right to interfere with the use of international airspace. The government emphasized, “Such statements represent an explicit use of force, which is prohibited by Article 2, paragraph 4 of the U.N. Charter.”
As of Sunday afternoon, data from Flightradar24 indicates that commercial flights are still operating within Venezuelan airspace, despite Trump’s controversial remarks. This incident unfolds amid growing tensions as Congress investigates recent military operations targeting drug trafficking in the Caribbean, leading to serious allegations against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Reports indicate that at least 21 strikes have been conducted under “Operation Southern Spear,” resulting in the deaths of at least 82 individuals on suspected drug smuggling vessels. The Washington Post has confirmed these military actions, which Democrats argue lacked adequate evidence for engagement. Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed grave concerns, stating on ABC’s This Week that the military’s actions could potentially be classified as a “war crime,” urging accountability for Hegseth. “If that theory is wrong, then it’s plain murder,” he warned.
Contrastingly, Republican Senator Eric Schmitt defended Trump’s approach, stating that the former president is acting “well within his Article 2 powers” to combat drug trafficking. He described the strategy as a dual approach to eliminate precursor chemicals from China and dismantle cartels distributing drugs to the United States.
Tensions are rising as bipartisan frustration grows regarding Trump’s unilateral military actions in Venezuela. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the president’s posture, warning that such reckless maneuvers could lead the U.S. into another costly foreign conflict. He expressed his concerns on social media shortly after Trump’s post about the airspace closure.
Adding to the controversy, former Trump ally and Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene reminded the public that only Congress holds the power to declare war, highlighting the potential overreach of executive power in military engagements.
As this situation develops, all eyes are on the implications of Trump’s statements and the ongoing investigations into military operations. The international community is closely monitoring how this will impact relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as the broader geopolitical landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
