UPDATE: The Venezuelan government has swiftly condemned President Donald Trump’s recent call to close airspace over the nation, labeling it a “colonialist threat” to its sovereignty. In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump urged all airlines and pilots to consider the airspace above Venezuela “closed in its entirety.”
This urgent statement comes amid escalating tensions as the Venezuelan administration asserts that Trump’s comments violate international law and undermine its authority. Officials declare, “No authority outside the Venezuelan institutional framework has the power to interfere with, block, or condition the use of international airspace.” As of Sunday afternoon, flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows that numerous planes continue to operate within Venezuelan airspace, contradicting Trump’s assertions.
The controversy occurs just a day after the Senate and House Armed Services Committees announced an investigation into the Pentagon following a report by The Washington Post. The report revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered the killing of crew members aboard a boat suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean last September. NPR has confirmed these developments.
Critically, the military’s “Operation Southern Spear” has reportedly executed at least 21 strikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 82 individuals linked to alleged drug trafficking. The Trump administration claims this operation targets drug smuggling networks, but the Venezuelan government argues that such military actions represent an explicit use of force prohibited under the U.N. Charter.
Democratic leaders have voiced strong concerns regarding the administration’s strategy. Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland warned during an appearance on ABC’s This Week that the military’s actions could potentially be classified as a “war crime.” He stated, “They’ve never presented the public with the information they’ve got here,” suggesting that if the military’s justification is incorrect, it could constitute “plain murder.”
In contrast, Republican Senator Eric Schmitt defended Trump’s approach on Fox News, stating the former president is acting “well within his Article 2 powers” to combat drug smuggling. He elaborated on a dual strategy aimed at eliminating precursor chemicals from China and dismantling the cartels distributing drugs across the U.S.
Frustration is palpable in Congress as both Republicans and Democrats criticize Trump’s unilateral stance on Venezuela. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed concerns via X on Saturday, stating that Trump’s actions are edging the U.S. closer to another costly foreign conflict. Additionally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump ally, reminded followers that “Congress has the sole power to declare war,” echoing a growing sentiment that legislative approval is essential for military operations.
As this situation develops, the implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and global drug trafficking efforts remain critical. Observers are urged to monitor further statements from both the Trump administration and Venezuelan officials as tensions continue to rise.
