The tension between America and Venezuela once again seems to be crossing the danger line. US President Trump recently spoke on phone to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and gave him a sharp ultimatum, saying that if he does not leave the country immediately, the situation will become more serious. Trump’s warning has come at a time when American military presence has increased in the Caribbean region and relations between the two countries are already extremely tense.
According to media reports, during the phone call, Trump clearly told Maduro, “You can save yourself and your loved ones, but you have to leave the country now.” The US had offered safe passage to Maduro, his wife Celia Flores and their son. The offer was also extended to several top Maduro aides. But Maduro rejected it. Two main demands were made from Venezuela. First, global amnesty for Maduro and his close circle and second, the right to retain complete control over the Venezuelan military. America refused to accept both these demands, after which the talks broke down completely.
Direct signal from the US President
Trump acknowledged Sunday that he had recently spoken to Maduro, but declined to provide any details on the nature of the conversation. A few hours later, he warned the world that Venezuelan airspace should be considered completely closed. Immediately after his announcement, international flights stopped flying over Venezuela. According to Flightradar24, not a single foreign aircraft was seen over the country. Some airlines adopted alternative routes, while many stopped services.
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Solution stuck due to conditions
According to the report, the call took place on November 16. In this, Maduro asked for two big assurances: first, that he and his team get a complete amnesty at the global level from any existing allegations. Second, they must maintain control over the Venezuelan military, even if the country holds free elections in the future. The US strictly rejected both these conditions and said that Maduro would have to step down immediately.
It was reported that the Maduro government tried to talk to the US administration again but did not get any response. Defense experts say that this situation is putting the biggest pressure on Maduro and his regime so far.
Increased activity in the Caribbean
After the talks broke down, America intensified its actions along with its words. Trump warned that US military operations could soon begin on the ground. After this, American ships and fighter planes appeared active in the Caribbean. America has claimed that drug smuggling is increasing from Venezuelan soil, due to which 100,000 people have died in America.
Senator Dave McCormick described it as a war on fentanyl, cocaine and opioids and accused Maduro’s government of exacerbating the crisis. Some critics have called the US action extra-judicial, despite a controversial Double Tap attack being investigated by Congress.
Countermeasures and growing standoff
Following America’s airspace restrictions, Venezuela also took strict action and withdrew the operating rights of many foreign airlines. He described the US statement as “colonial aggression”. Government media claimed that the US wants to put pressure on Venezuela by increasing tension in the Caribbean. Due to closure of airspace, routes of many flights were changed and passengers are facing hours of extra time. This situation is also causing serious concern in the international aviation sector.
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