The confrontation between the United States and Venezuela has intensified as President Donald Trump announced a complete closure of the airspace over and around Venezuela, signalling a sharp escalation in his pressure campaign against the Nicol&aacute;s Maduro government.
The directive, posted on Truth Social, was aimed not only at airlines and pilots but also at criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and human smuggling. The move aligns with Trump&rsquo;s broader crackdown on illegal migration and narcotics operations. In recent weeks, the US has carried out multiple airstrikes on suspected drug-carrying vessels in international waters, destroying more than 20 boats and causing significant casualties.
Trump has also suggested that land-based intervention could begin soon as part of the same campaign. Venezuela responded strongly, calling the airspace shutdown a hostile and colonial-style act.
The region is currently witnessing heightened US military activity, with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford and around 15,000 personnel deployed nearby. Reports in The New York Times claim Trump and Maduro recently held a phone conversation that included discussions about a potential in-person meeting. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was reportedly part of the call, though neither government has confirmed the talks.
Speculation continues that Maduro offered Washington access to Venezuelan oil in exchange for staying in power for two more years, a proposal Trump is unlikely to accept. The US recently classified Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation and alleged Maduro&rsquo;s involvement, a move that could enable military action without formally declaring war.
Democratic lawmakers warn that Trump&rsquo;s approach risks drawing the US into another costly conflict. Senate leader Chuck Schumer stressed that only Congress holds the constitutional authority to declare war.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

US escalates pressure on Venezuela as Trump orders full airspace shutdown

Trump Closes Venezuela Airspace Amid Tensions

US escalates pressure on Venezuela as Trump orders full airspace shutdown

November 30, 2025 | 09:21 IST