Donald Trump declares Venezuela airspace ‘completely closed’ | World | News

Donald Trump has ordered the closure of Venezuelan airspace in his latest crackdown on “drug dealers and human traffickers.” The US President took to social media platform Truth Social to post an impassioned message. He wrote: “All Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers and Human Traffickers, please consider a COMPLETE CLOSURE OF AIRSPACE OVER AND AROUND VENEZUELA.”

This comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety notice advising airlines and pilots to avoid Venezuelan airspace. He warned of a “deteriorating security situation”, increased military activity and possible GPS interference.

Venezuela also stripped operating rights from six major international airlines after suspending flights to the South American country on Thursday.

Mr. Trump’s announcement is the latest in a series of moves he says will limit drugs coming into the United States.

The White House has previously accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of working with drug trafficking organizations to facilitate illegal trade.

Earlier this week, the US President suggested possible military action against drug traffickers.

“People do not want to make deliveries by sea. We will also start stopping them by land. Land is easier. But this will start very soon. We are warning them. Stop sending poison to our country.”

Mr. Trump’s actions so far, which have included attacks on ships carrying drugs, have been condemned by both Democrats and international organizations.

United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk called them “unacceptable” and expressed concern that they violated international law.