Venezuela calls Trump airspace closure warning 'colonialist threat'

The US says it is fighting drugs smuggling, but Venezuela says Donald Trump's aim is to topple President Nicolás Maduro.

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The country's foreign ministry called Trump's comments "another extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people".

The US does not have legal authority to close another country's airspace and the Venezuelan statement accused Trump of making a "colonialist threat".

The US has built its military presence in the area and carried out at least 21 strikes on boats it said were carrying drugs, killing more than 80, without providing evidence. Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has said the US actions are attempt to oust him.

Trump wrote on Truth Social: "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY."