UPDATE: In a dramatic escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a recent phone call, demanding his immediate resignation. In response, Maduro has shut down airspace over Venezuela, a move that adds to the already escalating crisis in the region.
According to sources speaking to the Miami Herald, Trump conveyed a blunt message to Maduro, stating, “You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now.” The U.S. president confirmed the call took place but declined to provide details, saying, “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly; it was a phone call.”
The call, brokered by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey, was part of a months-long pressure campaign against Maduro’s regime. However, instead of accepting the ultimatum, Maduro countered with demands that Trump swiftly rejected. Sources indicate that Maduro sought global amnesty for crimes committed by his administration and insisted on retaining control of the armed forces in exchange for allowing free elections.
In a bold move, Trump declared on January 9, 2024, via his Truth Social account, that the airspace above Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety.” He added, “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
This announcement comes after the U.S. State Department formally designated the Cartel de los Soles—a group the Trump administration claims operates out of Venezuela—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This categorization places Maduro alongside notorious figures such as leaders of al-Qaeda and ISIS, granting the administration broader authority to potentially engage in military action without additional congressional approval.
The implications of these developments are significant. With airspace closed, critical humanitarian aid, and flights are now jeopardized. Human rights advocates warn that the situation could further deteriorate, impacting millions of Venezuelans already facing dire conditions.
As tensions rise, the world watches closely. What happens next will be crucial, as the U.S. administration appears poised to respond aggressively to any further defiance from Maduro. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story, which could reshape the geopolitical landscape in South America.
