Relations between the US and Venezuela have reached a boiling point. Last week, President Donald Trump responded by declaring a total blockade of Venezuela’s airspace. This announcement comes on the heels of a new episode of U.S. military activity aimed at drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean. The announcement has added additional tension to already fraught relations with Nicolás Maduro. Powerful man, drug trafficker. In power since 2013, he has continually denied drug trafficking allegations against him.
Since then, the U.S. government has significantly increased its counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Pacific. Since September, they’ve been doing an increasing number of these strikes on suspected drug runner boats—at least 21. These raids have consequently led to the killings of at least 83 people. Against this backdrop, the U.S. military is stepping up its presence in the region to reinforce these initiatives.
This surprising statement came on the heels of a long-awaited advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA previously described a “potentially unsafe condition” for US flights traversing Venezuelan airspace. The FAA’s warning cited a deteriorating security environment and heightened military escalation within and near the country. As a result of these unfortunate circumstances, six major international airlines recently had their operating rights rescinded by the Venezuelan government.
“To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.” – Donald Trump
Maduro is under international pressure for his drug ties, but he denies vehemently ties to drugs. He alleges that Trump is trying to get him killed. He claims that Venezuelan people and military will prevent any foreign intervention operation. The Venezuelan communications ministry did not respond to requests for comment on Trump’s statements above.
However, as tensions continue to escalate the outcome for the two countries is anyone’s guess. Most recently, the U.S. has attempted covert CIA-style regime change operations inside Venezuela, deepening animosity and distrust between the two nations. Today’s landscape is marked by a bloody struggle for the political influence to cartel power and dominance over drug trade within the territory. Both countries have dug in hard, not looking to give an inch.
As tensions rise, the implications for both nations remain uncertain. The U.S. has pursued covert CIA operations within Venezuela, further complicating the relationship between the two countries. The current situation highlights the ongoing struggle for power and control over narcotics trafficking in the region, with both nations firmly entrenched in their respective positions.