U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered closed. This statement was made via his Truth Social account, as tensions escalate between the U.S. and the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro.

In his post, Trump addressed various groups, stating, "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY." He did not provide further details regarding this declaration.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration intensifies military operations in the Caribbean, aimed at combating drug trafficking. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group. In recent months, U.S. forces have conducted nearly two dozen airstrikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in the deaths of at least 82 individuals.

Despite Trump's statement, there has been no official directive from the U.S. government closing Venezuelan airspace. International airways remain open under standard aviation regulations. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned pilots about potential hazards due to increased military activity in the area. Most commercial airlines have avoided Venezuelan airspace for years due to security concerns.

The U.S. aviation regulator recently cautioned airlines about a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela, citing a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity." This warning led several airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM, GOL, and Turkish Airlines, to suspend flights to Venezuela. In response, the Venezuelan government banned these airlines, accusing them of participating in actions of state terrorism promoted by the U.S.

Tensions have further escalated as Trump hinted at upcoming land-based operations to combat drug trafficking. He stated that these efforts would begin "very soon." Recent reports indicate increased activity by U.S. fighter jets near the Venezuelan coast, raising concerns about potential military confrontations.

The Dominican Republic has allowed the U.S. to use its airport facilities as part of this military deployment, while Trinidad and Tobago recently hosted U.S. Marine Corps exercises.

Maduro's government has reacted defiantly to these developments, conducting military exercises and mass rallies to demonstrate strength. The Venezuelan leader has accused the U.S. of attempting to orchestrate regime change under the guise of drug enforcement.

In a recent phone call, Trump and Maduro reportedly discussed a potential meeting in the United States, further complicating the already tense relationship between the two nations. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the escalating conflict over drug trafficking and military presence in the region.