The United States Air Force has begun rehearsing strike routes against Venezuela in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two nations, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing defense officials. This development comes immediately after U.S. President Donald Trump officially sealed Venezuelan airspace, a move that has triggered global alarm and intensified fears of an impending American military intervention.
The Ultimatum That Sparked the Crisis
The current military standoff follows a secret phone call between President Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. During this conversation, which occurred shortly before the airspace closure, Trump allegedly issued a blunt ultimatum to Maduro: step down from power voluntarily or face direct military action from the United States. The revelation of this stark warning has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles.
In response to the escalating threat, Venezuelan defense forces have not remained passive. Venezuelan fighter jets were scrambled to guard the nation's skies, anticipating possible airstrikes from U.S. forces. This defensive posture highlights the seriousness with which Caracas is treating the American military preparations.
Military Preparations Intensify
American warplanes are actively practicing attack routes, simulating what could become actual combat missions against Venezuelan targets. These rehearsals represent a significant escalation in what has been a prolonged political and economic confrontation between Washington and Caracas.
The closure of Venezuelan airspace by U.S. order effectively creates a no-fly zone, a move typically associated with imminent military action. This development has raised concerns among international observers about the potential for a larger regional conflict and its impact on global stability.
Global Reactions and Implications
The situation has triggered alarm worldwide, with many nations watching nervously as the standoff develops. The prospect of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela represents one of the most significant geopolitical crises in the Western Hemisphere in recent years.
As of December 1, 2025, the situation remains extremely volatile. Both nations appear to be preparing for potential conflict, with neither side showing immediate signs of backing down. The international community awaits further developments with growing concern about the possibility of open hostilities between the United States and Venezuela.
