US closes airspace over Venezuela - Donald Trump's statement
President of the United States Donald Trump said that the United States close the airspace over Venezuela. He announced this in a special address, stressing that the decision applies to both civil aviation and potentially illegal flights.
Content of the statement
Trump addressed to all airlines, pilots, and drug and human traffickers, calling on them to «consider the airspace over and around Venezuela to be completely closed».
This is the toughest US statement on aviation security in the region in recent years.
There are no details on the legal mechanism for the shutdown or the date of entry into force, but the White House has already sent relevant notes to a number of Latin American countries.
Context.
The situation in Venezuela is escalating amid a political crisis and confrontation between the government and opposition groups. The United States has repeatedly stated its intention to increase pressure on Venezuelan drug cartels and groups involved in the illegal transportation of people to North America.
The announcement of the airspace closure may be part of a broader package of sanctions and security measures against the Caracas regime.
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