Trump's airspace threat sparks global sovereignty crisis at ICAO

Venezuela has lodged a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) against the United States, accusing Washington of violating its sovereignty following President Donald Trump's declaration that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed. The move represents a diplomatic counter to what Caracas views as an unprecedented infringement on its national jurisdiction by a foreign power.

A Formal Accusation of Unlawful Interference

Venezuelan Transportation Minister Ramon Araguayan announced the complaint on social media, stating that Trump's announcement constitutes "unlawful interference" as defined in Annex 17 of the International Civil Aviation Convention. Araguayan argued that such declarations spread false information and endanger aviation safety. He emphasized that "no foreign power can in any way replace Venezuela’s jurisdiction," and that authority rests solely with the country's National Aviation Authority (INAC).

Linking Airspace Dispute to Broader Military Tensions

The complaint to the Montreal-based ICAO is part of a broader diplomatic offensive by President Nicolas Maduro's government. According to local media, Caracas has also sent a letter to OPEC warning that the ongoing US military buildup in the Caribbean poses a serious threat to global energy market stability. This connects the airspace dispute to Venezuela's determination to defend its substantial oil reserves against what it perceives as external threats and economic coercion.

National Assembly Condemns US Military Actions

Jorge Rodriguez, President of Venezuela's National Assembly, added to the condemnation, announcing an extraordinary legislative session to address the escalating situation. Rodriguez referenced recent US military operations in the Caribbean—conducted under drug trafficking allegations—claiming they resulted in the deaths of Venezuelans "without due process." He stated he had just met with affected families, framing the airspace threat as part of a pattern of "illegitimate and illegal U.S. military operations" that Caracas is committed to opposing through international legal channels.