Trump’s Maximum Psychological Pressure Targets Venezuela / Commercial Flights Disappear from Venezuelan Skies

According to Rokna, Hassan Masoud, an Al Jazeera correspondent from the Santa Marta coast in northern Colombia, noted that the consequences of Trump’s announcement became evident within minutes, including the widespread cancellation of flights from various countries, including Colombia, bound for Venezuela. He explained that several Latin American airports experienced disruptions following direct warnings from U.S. officials.

Masoud pointed out that several major airlines had suspended flights to Venezuela three days prior to this decision, following an official warning from U.S. authorities. In response, the Venezuelan government canceled contracts with several airlines, including LATAM, Avianca, and Gol. European airlines, particularly those from Turkey, Portugal, and Spain, were also affected.

He emphasized that only Venezuelan Airlines and a few carriers affiliated with Caracas’ allied countries continued operations within domestic airspace, despite the growing circle of warnings and restrictions.

Electromagnetic Disruption

Masoud also cited statements from Bruno Rodriguez, Cuba’s Foreign Minister, who said the region is experiencing “electromagnetic disruption” over Caribbean airspace. He described this as part of U.S. military activity aimed at isolating the Venezuelan government through multi-layered pressure.

The Cuban Foreign Minister explained that these developments could be interpreted either as a prelude to a potential military action or as the highest level of pressure designed to compel Venezuela to negotiate and abandon the option of military engagement—an issue Trump has previously referenced.

In Washington, Nasser Al-Husseini, an Al Jazeera correspondent, reported that U.S. messages domestically have been clearer, describing the airspace closure as part of Trump’s “maximum psychological pressure” policy against Venezuela.

He added that U.S. forces have increased their presence near Puerto Rico, with American aircraft flying continuously for over 48 hours.

Al-Husseini noted that warnings issued by the Federal Aviation Administration have caused domestic and international airlines to avoid approaching these areas, citing “unpredictable military conditions” and a growing accumulation of naval equipment and aerial activity in the region.

According to him, questions are rising within the United States regarding the motives behind the escalation: whether these measures are genuinely aimed at countering drug trafficking or are related to economic and oil interests, and what impact these developments may have on Washington’s relations with China and Russia—Venezuela’s two main allies.