US Escalates Pressure on Venezuela: Airspace Closed Amid Intensified Drug Trafficking Operations
President Trump declared Venezuelan airspace closed and approved covert operations, intensifying US counter-narcotics efforts and military presence amid drug trafficking accusations.
Overview
President Trump closed Venezuela's airspace and approved covert CIA operations, citing escalating tensions and intensified counter-narcotics efforts against alleged drug trafficking by the Maduro administration.
The US increased military presence, conducting over 20 strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, claiming to have stopped 85% of sea-trafficked drugs.
The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to airlines regarding hazardous conditions over Venezuela, reinforcing Trump's declaration of closed airspace around the country.
Venezuela responded by revoking operating rights from six major international airlines, accusing the US of state terrorism actions and denying any involvement in drug trafficking.
Nicolás Maduro's administration denies US accusations of drug trafficking, alleging that the intensified US military actions and claims are a pretext for intervention and regime change.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, presenting a balanced account of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. They report President Trump's statements and actions alongside Venezuela's responses and denials, providing factual context without editorializing. The coverage includes diverse perspectives and relevant background information, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
Sources (11)
FAQ
The US has conducted at least 21 airstrikes on 22 vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in at least 83 fatalities. Additionally, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and is planning to start anti-drug operations by land in Venezuela soon as part of 'Operation Southern Spear.'
The US government cites escalating tensions and intends to intensify counter-narcotics efforts against alleged drug trafficking activities by the Maduro administration, claiming to have stopped about 85% of drugs trafficked by sea. The closure is also framed as a safety measure with the FAA warning airlines of hazardous conditions over Venezuela.
Venezuela has denied any involvement in drug trafficking and accused the US of conducting state terrorism. In retaliation for the US's airspace closure and military escalation, Venezuela revoked operating rights from six major international airlines and claimed that the US is using the drug trafficking allegations as a pretext for intervention and regime change.
Experts, human rights groups, and international bodies consider the US airstrikes illegal under US and international law, accusing the US of extrajudicial killings. The Colombian and Venezuelan governments have condemned the strikes, viewing them as violations of sovereignty and acts of unlawful force. Furthermore, US Senate attempts to limit Trump’s authority to continue such military action have failed, indicating domestic political contention.
The US has conducted extensive air and naval operations targeting drug trafficking by sea and is preparing to initiate anti-drug operations on land in Venezuela. Operation Southern Spear involves a joint task force utilizing robotics and autonomous systems to target drug trafficking networks connected to Venezuelan criminal organizations and allegedly linked to the Maduro regime. The US military presence in the Caribbean remains significant, suggesting continued escalation.
History
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