US President Donald Trump announced that the airspace over and surrounding Venezuela is to be considered fully closed. 

In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."

This statement follows his remarks two days earlier, on November 27, when he warned that US operations against alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking "by land" would begin very soon. 

During a Thanksgiving video call with US troops, Trump said: "We've almost stopped — it's about 85% stopped by sea. The land is easier, but that's going to start very soon."

Military build-up, Operation Southern Spear

The closure declaration follows a substantial US military deployment to the Caribbean, the largest in decades. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, including advanced fighter jets, warships, and over 15,000 personnel, entered the region in mid-November. Strategic B-52 bombers have also flown near Venezuelan territory, including a high-profile flight near Caracas on November 24.

These moves fall under Operation Southern Spear, a newly launched campaign targeting what Washington calls "narco-terrorist" threats in the Western Hemisphere. The US has already conducted over 20 maritime strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels since September, killing at least 83 people.

Additionally, on November 24, the US designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. The US government alleges this "cartel" is led by Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials, though Venezuela rejected the designation as a "ridiculous fabrication".​

In response, Venezuela has mobilized around 200,000 troops, activated air-defense systems, and revoked permits for several international airlines that halted flights. President Maduro warned against war while asserting Venezuela's readiness to defend itself.

Despite the military pressure, diplomatic channels have reportedly remained active. The New York Times reported that Trump and President Nicolás Maduro held a phone call recently, discussing a possible in-person meeting.