Trump Issues Ultimatum to Maduro as Venezuela Closes Airspace

UPDATE: Tensions escalate between the United States and Venezuela as President Donald Trump issues a stark ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. A recent phone call reportedly ended with Maduro shutting down the country’s airspace in a defiant response to Trump’s demands.

During the call, confirmed by Trump but detailed by sources to the Miami Herald, the U.S. president urged Maduro to leave the country immediately, offering safe passage for him and his family in exchange for his resignation. Trump stated, “You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now.” However, Maduro countered with his own conditions, which Trump swiftly rejected.

According to anonymous sources, Maduro insisted on three key demands: first, a global amnesty for crimes committed by him and his associates; second, retaining control over the armed forces in exchange for allowing free elections; and third, a return to negotiations brokered by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey.

In a dramatic escalation, Trump announced on September 30, 2023, that the airspace over Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety.” He posted on Truth Social, urging airlines, pilots, and even drug traffickers to heed the warning. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

This latest confrontation follows the U.S. State Department’s recent designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, placing Maduro and other Venezuelan officials alongside leaders of notorious groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. This designation grants the U.S. broader authority to take military action without further congressional approval, potentially invoking the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force.

The situation remains fluid, with the Maduro government attempting to reestablish communication with the U.S. following Trump’s ultimatum. Analysts warn that the closing of airspace could lead to significant humanitarian implications, further isolating Venezuela amid ongoing economic turmoil.

NEXT: As the international community watches closely, the focus shifts to how Maduro will respond to the escalating pressure from the U.S. and whether further military action may be on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent and developing story.