U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is considering a complete closure of Venezuelan airspace, warning all aircraft, pilots, drug traffickers, and human smugglers to avoid the region. The statement, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration claims the move is part of its campaign against drug trafficking, but human rights observers and analysts argue it could serve as a pretext for attempts to remove Maduro from power. The U.S. has recently deployed an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean and conducted airstrikes against alleged drug trafficking operations, which UN experts have described as extrajudicial killings. Maduro, in a televised address, dismissed Trump’s threats, asserting that Venezuelans will not be intimidated. Venezuela has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s remarks.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will soon launch a ground assault in Venezuela aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks. Speaking at a military event on Thursday, Trump said that recent naval operations have already disrupted maritime drug routes, prompting traffickers to shift their operations inland. He warned that the US would now take the fight to land, urging traffickers to stop sending narcotics into the country. The statement comes amid heightened US military activity around Venezuela, including the deployment of dozens of warships and 15,000 troops under 'Operation Southern Spear' in the Caribbean. Washington has also designated Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and several of his associates as members of a foreign terrorist organization, allowing further sanctions and asset seizures. However, it remains unclear whether lethal force will be used directly against Maduro. The move signals a sharp escalation in US-Venezuela tensions under the guise of anti-narcotics operations.

Venezuela has banned several international airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM, Gol, and Turkish Airlines, accusing them of supporting 'state terrorism' after they suspended flights following a US travel warning. The Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority announced the decision on November 26, claiming the airlines unilaterally halted commercial operations in solidarity with US actions. The move follows Washington’s increased military activity in the Caribbean, which the US says is part of anti-drug operations but Caracas views as a regime change attempt. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had recently urged private aircraft to exercise caution over Venezuelan airspace due to rising security risks. Despite being given 48 hours to resume flights, none of the airlines complied, leading to the cancellation of over 40 flights and stranding more than 8,000 passengers, according to the Venezuelan Travel and Tourism Agency Association (AVAVIT).

The United States is reportedly preparing new operations in Venezuela, according to four US officials cited by Reuters. The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Details about the timing or scope of the planned operation remain unclear, and it is not confirmed whether President Donald Trump has made a final decision. Two officials indicated that the first phase could involve a covert mission targeting Maduro. The Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, while the CIA declined to comment. A senior Trump administration official did not rule out potential actions, saying the president is ready to use all means to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela and ensure accountability. Reports of US military activity in the Caribbean have increased in recent weeks, fueling speculation about possible intervention. The Venezuelan Ministry of Communications has not yet commented on the matter.

Several international airlines have suspended flights to and from Venezuela following a US warning about potential security risks in the country's airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cited increased military activity and instability around the region, prompting carriers such as Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile’s LATAM, Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and Spain’s Iberia to cancel or suspend operations. TAP confirmed cancellations for Saturday and Tuesday, while Iberia said it would pause flights from Monday, monitoring the situation before resuming service. Meanwhile, Copa Airlines and Wingo continued their scheduled flights. The advisory comes as the US expands its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying an aircraft carrier, several warships, and F-35 fighter jets, signaling heightened regional tension and potential new operations near Venezuela.

A Venezuelan court has sentenced 65-year-old physician Margie Orozco to 30 years in prison for allegedly spreading hatred, treason, and conspiracy after she criticized President Nicolás Maduro in a WhatsApp voice message. According to human rights groups cited by AFP, Orozco was arrested in August 2024 from San Juan de Colón during a period of intense political unrest following Maduro’s disputed re-election. The content of the alleged message and its recipients remain undisclosed. Rights organization JEP reported that Orozco suffered two heart attacks while in detention. Her harsh sentence has drawn renewed criticism of Maduro’s government, which has been accused of silencing dissent and persecuting opposition voices. The case highlights the deteriorating state of free expression and human rights in Venezuela amid ongoing political repression.

U.S. Senator Rick Scott has declared that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s rule is nearing its end, urging him to flee the country before it’s too late. In an interview with CBS, the Florida Republican warned that Maduro’s “days are numbered” and suggested he should seek refuge in Russia or China. Scott dismissed the likelihood of a U.S. military invasion but predicted that “something will happen—either internally or externally.” His comments came amid escalating regional tensions, following the arrival of a U.S. warship in Trinidad and Tobago and renewed pressure from the Trump administration on Venezuela. Earlier, President Donald Trump had authorized CIA operations in the country. Scott suggested that ousting Maduro could signal the eventual downfall of Cuba, a longtime adversary of U.S. influence. Meanwhile, Venezuela has accused Washington of trying to ignite a “new endless war” and deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S missiles to boost its air defense.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the deployment of 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S surface-to-air missiles across the country amid rising tensions with the United States. Speaking on state television during a military event, Maduro emphasized that these portable, short-range defense systems can strike low-flying aircraft, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. He stated that the missiles have been positioned in all major defense zones — from the “last mountain to the last village.” The move comes as the U.S. has recently deployed 4,500 Marines and naval personnel in the Caribbean, citing anti-narcotics operations and regional security measures. However, Washington’s actions have drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers questioning their legality. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently revealed he authorized CIA covert missions in Venezuela, signaling possible American expansion of military activity in the region as part of efforts to pressure Maduro’s government.

Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to commend his wartime leadership and Israel’s recent achievements. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, Machado expressed satisfaction with the agreement leading to the release of hostages and praised Israel’s government for its decisive actions. She also voiced strong support for Israel’s fight against what she called the “Iran-backed axis of evil,” noting that this alliance threatens not only Israel but also the people of Venezuela. Netanyahu, in return, congratulated Machado on winning the Nobel Peace Prize and acknowledged her efforts in promoting democracy and global peace. However, Machado’s office has not yet released an official statement regarding the conversation. Earlier this week, she had stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump deserved next year’s Nobel Peace Prize, but her own win dashed those expectations.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly accused U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to overthrow his government in Caracas by authorizing a covert CIA operation under the guise of combating drug trafficking. The allegations came after reports that Trump had signaled plans to carry out secret operations in Venezuela and hinted at possible attacks on Venezuelan territory, describing them as “dramatic moves” beyond targeting the nation’s navy in the Caribbean. Maduro condemned the actions as a “CIA-led coup” and warned against labeling it as war or regime change. Experts remain skeptical of Trump’s claims, particularly regarding alleged threats from Venezuelans in the United States. Earlier this month, the U.S. administration justified military measures against drug cartels, describing it as necessary to stop narcotics flow. The move has sparked political outrage in Congress, with members arguing Trump is bypassing congressional approval.

Venezuela’s defense minister said five U.S. warplanes were detected about 75 kilometers off its coast, calling the move a threat from Washington. The government accused the U.S. of reckless actions that undermine Caribbean peace and urged American officials to step back. The U.S. has deployed warships in the region, citing anti-drug operations, and claimed to have destroyed Venezuelan boats, killing several. President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of seeking regime change but signaled willingness to talk with U.S. envoy Richard Grenell.

Venezuela has launched large-scale military training programs for civilians as tensions with the United States intensify. President Nicolás Maduro has ordered all members of the Bolivarian militia to join the nationwide exercise, named Operation Independence 200.

Training sessions have already begun across hundreds of military bases, with civilians enlisting at army barracks. One participant remarked, “It feels incredible. Military training is essential for us as Venezuelan citizens—we need this experience.”

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López personally inspected the drills, stressing that such large-scale exercises will now be held regularly. The move comes shortly after U.S. forces deployed in the Caribbean, further straining relations between the two nations.

The United States is reportedly considering a military operation targeting drug trafficking networks inside Venezuela, with President Donald Trump deploying F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Reports suggest at least 10 jets have been stationed at a Puerto Rican airbase. The potential strike could escalate tensions between Washington and Caracas. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro strongly condemned the plan, urging respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and peace, but also emphasized that the country remains open to dialogue and diplomatic solutions.

The United States has stationed eight warships and 1,200 missiles in the Caribbean, officially citing anti-narcotics operations. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claims Washington is preparing to overthrow his government through military intervention.
Maduro has reinforced troops along Venezuela’s coasts and borders while urging civilians to join paramilitary groups. The U.S. has accused Maduro of running drug operations and authorized military action against narcotics trafficking. Reports suggest more ships and up to 4,000 sailors and Marines could join the deployment in coming days. Though no ground invasion has been announced, Washington has offered a $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture on drug trafficking allegations.

Venezuela has launched a massive military drill in response to the deployment of a U.S. naval fleet in Latin American and Caribbean waters. President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of eyeing Venezuela’s natural resources and seeking to fragment the nation.

Maduro said a formal complaint has been lodged with the United Nations over the U.S. violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Under his direct supervision, thousands of Special Revolutionary Operations Forces participated in the exercise, showcasing advanced combat maneuvers, mountain warfare, and live-fire drills with modern weaponry.

“The Venezuelan people are ready to resist imperialism. The gringos want our wealth; they want to break our country into pieces,” Maduro declared. He announced that another nationwide drill will take place later this week.

Earlier, the U.S. had dispatched three destroyers, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, and 4,500 naval troops to Venezuelan waters in a mission officially described as countering drug trafficking. In retaliation, Venezuela deployed warships along its coasts and mobilized militias across the country.