The US has announced the closure of airspace “above and surrounding” Venezuela, with President Donald Trump stating that action will be taken against alleged drug trafficking networks in the country “very soon”. This move comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Trump repeatedly accusing the Venezuelan government of involvement in the illicit drug trade.

The US military has been active in the region, carrying out over 20 strikes on small boats in international waters in the Caribbean since early September, resulting in the deaths of more than 80 people. The US has also launched Operation Southern Spear, a military operation targeting “narcoterrorists” in the region, with over a dozen warships and 15,000 personnel deployed.

Trump has consistently denied Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s claims of innocence, instead alleging that Maduro is personally leading a major drug trafficking organization. The US has increased its bounty on Maduro to $50 million, further straining relations between the two countries.

In response to the US military buildup in the region, Maduro has placed Venezuela’s military on high alert and staged a series of exercises. He has warned the US against launching “a crazy war” and has denied allegations of involvement in illicit narcotics trafficking, stating that these claims are part of Washington’s efforts to topple him.

The closure of Venezuelan airspace is the latest escalation in the ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela. The US has not provided further details on the extent of the airspace closure, but the move is likely to have significant implications for airlines and other aircraft operating in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what further actions the US will take against Venezuela and how the country will respond to these measures.