UPDATE: The Venezuelan government has swiftly condemned President Donald Trump‘s recent call to close the airspace above Venezuela, labeling it a “colonialist threat.” In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump urged, “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.”
Venezuelan officials responded vehemently, stating that Trump’s remarks violate international law and undermine the nation’s sovereignty. “No authority outside the Venezuelan institutional framework has the power to interfere with, block, or condition the use of international airspace,” the government declared in a formal statement.
Despite Trump’s provocative statement, Flightradar24 reports that commercial flights are still operating within Venezuelan airspace as of Sunday afternoon. This escalation follows a troubling report from The Washington Post, revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly issued an order to “kill all crew members” aboard a boat suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean last September. The Senate Armed Services Committee has announced plans to investigate these actions, confirming the report from NPR.
The military has conducted at least 21 strikes as part of “Operation Southern Spear,” which the Trump administration claims targets drug traffickers. These operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 82 individuals suspected of smuggling drugs.
Venezuela’s government condemned Trump’s statements as an “explicit use of force,” asserting that such actions contravene Article 2, paragraph 4 of the U.N. Charter. The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle in the United States. Senator Chris Van Hollen voiced concerns on ABC’s This Week, stating that the military’s actions could potentially be classified as a “war crime.” “If that theory is wrong, then it’s plain murder,” Van Hollen warned.
In contrast, Republican Senator Eric Schmitt defended Trump’s approach, stating on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that Trump is operating “well within his Article 2 powers” regarding drug smuggling operations. Schmitt emphasized a dual strategy: eliminating precursors from China and targeting cartels distributing drugs in the U.S.
Frustration is palpable among congressional members across the political spectrum. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed grave concern, stating that Trump’s actions could lead the U.S. into another costly foreign conflict. Additionally, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump ally, reminded the public via social media that “Congress has the sole power to declare war.”
The situation remains highly volatile, with both the Venezuelan government and U.S. lawmakers asserting their positions. As tensions escalate, the world watches closely to see how this international incident will unfold.
Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent story.
