A dangerous dispute between the United States and Venezuela has become more serious. It now involves deadly military action, a surprising phone call between presidents, and an order to close Venezuelan airspace. This complex crisis is linked to long-running US accusations that Venezuela’s government supports drug trafficking. The situation is now threatening stability in the region and causing urgent questions in the US Congress.
The crisis worsened in early September. The United States began a major anti-drug operation in the Caribbean. Since then, US military forces have attacked boats suspected of smuggling illegal drugs. These strikes have killed more than eighty people. A report from *The Washington Post* added to the concern. It claimed that a strike on September 2nd targeted people who had survived an earlier attack. The report said this was done under orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This claim has started a fierce debate among US politicians about the rules for military action.
During this military buildup, an unexpected diplomatic event occurred. President Donald Trump confirmed he spoke on the phone with Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, in October. Trump described the call briefly, saying, "I wouldn’t say it went well or badly. It was a phone call." The details of their talk are secret, and it did not reduce tensions.
Instead, the conflict increased last Saturday. President Trump used social media to issue a strong warning. He declared Venezuela’s airspace "closed in its entirety" to airlines and others. Although US aviation officials had already warned commercial airlines, Trump’s broad statement angered Venezuela. The government in Caracas called it a "colonialist threat." In response, Venezuela took away the permission for six international airlines to operate and stopped deportation flights from the US.
The effects are serious and widespread. Civilian air travel is heavily disrupted, leaving passengers stranded. In the US Congress, politicians from both parties are demanding answers. They have started investigations into the deadly sea strikes. Experts believe the US government is now considering a wider range of actions, which could include secret operations.
This standoff is a difficult international problem. The United States argues its actions are necessary to fight drug networks supported by Venezuela’s government. Venezuela argues the US is using drugs as an excuse for aggression and to force a change in its leadership. With more military forces moving closer, communication breaking down, and civilian travel affected, the chance for a peaceful solution seems to be fading. This raises the fear of a long and risky confrontation.