US Intensifies Military Pressure on Venezuela: Airspace Closure and Land Operations Planned

In a move that has escalated tensions in an already volatile region, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the airspace above and around Venezuela is now completely closed to all airlines. In a statement on his platform, Truth Social, he urged pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers to heed the closure, emphasizing that this measure would remain in effect for the foreseeable future. Trump's declaration comes at a crucial juncture, as the U.S. government seeks to clamp down on drug trafficking routes believed to operate out of Venezuela. Earlier in the week, he warned that military efforts in the fight against narcotics would transition from limited operations in Caribbean waters to a more direct, land-based approach. "You probably have noticed that people do not want to make deliveries by sea, and we are going to start detaining them on land as well. It is easier on land, but that will start very soon," Trump stated during a Thanksgiving Day call with military personnel. This marks a significant shift in strategy, as many speculate that this could pave the way for a more extensive U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. The Trump administration has long cited the alleged involvement of the Cartel of the Suns—a supposed Venezuelan drug trafficking organization—as a critical reason for their aggressive posture. The CIA has been authorized to conduct operations in Venezuela, and the U.S. has ramped up its military presence in the region, characterized by operations like the Southern Lance, which has already resulted in numerous confrontations at sea. These naval operations have reportedly led to at least 83 deaths in 21 incidents aimed at intercepting narcoboats allegedly linked to this cartel. The military build-up in the region includes the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, signaling a serious commitment to countering drug trafficking from Venezuela. This evolving situation raises critical questions about U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and the potential implications for regional stability. As U.S. forces prepare for potential land operations, the world watches closely to see how events will unfold in this high-stakes arena. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2