In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States has reportedly offered Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro an opportunity to leave his country for Russia or another destination. This dramatic development comes as fears grow about potential US military action in the region.
US Senator Confirms Exit Offer
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin revealed on Sunday that the US administration has presented Maduro with this exit option. "We gave Maduro an opportunity to leave. We said he could leave and go to Russia or he could go to another country," Mullin stated during a CNN interview.
Despite the increasing regional concerns, Senator Mullin insisted that President Donald Trump is not preparing for a military invasion of Venezuela. "No, he's made it very clear we're not going to put troops into Venezuela," the senator clarified, adding that the primary objective is to "protect our own shores."
Trump's Airspace Declaration Sparks Outrage
The situation intensified when President Trump issued his strongest warning yet on Saturday through his Truth Social platform. In a post that has drawn international attention, Trump declared: "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."
Venezuela responded swiftly and strongly to this declaration, denouncing it as a "colonial threat" and "illegal, and unjustified aggression" that violates the nation's sovereignty and international law. Caracas accused Washington of maintaining a "permanent policy of aggression" against Venezuela.
Operation Southern Spear: The Military Context
The airspace closure announcement comes amid expanded US military operations targeting alleged drug traffickers in the region. Since September, American airstrikes have focused on suspected drug-smuggling vessels operating in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific waters.
According to official reports, these strikes have resulted in at least 83 casualties and have targeted a minimum of 21 boats as part of Operation Southern Spear. The Pentagon has classified these drug networks as "foreign terrorist organisations," placing them in the same category as groups like al Qaeda.
However, the US has faced criticism for not releasing concrete evidence about the cargo carried by these vessels to support its assertions about their involvement in drug trafficking activities.
The escalating situation represents one of the most significant confrontations between the US and Venezuela in recent years, with regional stability hanging in the balance as both nations maintain their firm positions.
