Trump’s Next Move in Venezuela? After Attack Threat, He Closes the Airspace

Washington: Taking a big step on Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced the closure of Venezuela and its nearby airspace. This decision has come at a time when tension between Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is continuously increasing. Trump had claimed earlier this week that America could soon take action in Venezuela because a large drug trafficking network is active there.

Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth,

“All airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human smugglers are advised to consider a complete closure of airspace over and around Venezuela.” After this statement, the discussion has intensified about whether America is really preparing any kind of military action against Venezuela.

Threats to remove Maduro have already been made

The US has long considered President Nicolas Maduro an illegitimate ruler. The Trump administration has made it clear many times that it is in favor of removing Maduro from power.
Since September the US military has been attacking boats in the Caribbean that it claims are run by drug cartels.

Massive military deployment in the Caribbean region

The US has made a major military deployment in the Caribbean to increase pressure on Venezuela. It also includes the world's largest aircraft carrier. Washington says the deployment is to stop drug trafficking, while Caracas alleges it is preparation for “regime change.”

Many killed in US military attacks

The US military has targeted more than 20 ships in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific since the beginning of September. America claims that these ships were involved in drug smuggling, but it has not yet made public any concrete evidence that these ships were being used in drug trafficking or were a direct threat to America. About 80 people have been killed in these attacks.

Trump's big gesture during Thanksgiving call

Trump spoke over video call with troops on Thursday on Thanksgiving. During this time, he clearly indicated for the first time that attacks could take place inside Venezuela also. He said, "In the last few weeks you have been playing a big role in stopping Venezuelan drug smugglers. Now smuggling from the sea has reduced a lot. And we will soon start stopping them on land routes too... It is going to happen very soon."

It is clear from Trump's statement that America's stance towards Venezuela has become tougher, and the situation may become more tense in the coming days.