U.S. Restricts Puerto Rico Airspace for 'Security Reasons Even As Trump Denies He's Decided to Strike Venezuela

The United States has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) restricting airspace off the coast of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, from November 1 through March 31, 2026, citing "special security reasons," according to aviation information circulated on Friday.

A NOTAM is an advisory published for pilots and airlines alerting them to temporary changes or hazards in airspace, such as military activity, security operations, or natural events. While the notice did not specify the nature of the operation, the affected zone lies near the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, which is routinely used for U.S. military activities and training in the Caribbean.

The move came minutes before President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he is not considering strikes on land inside Venezuela. Asked directly whether such military action was under discussion, Trump responded, "No," offering no further details.

The timing of the NOTAM has drawn attention because major outlets have reported that the possibility of striking targets inside Venezuela has already been reviewed.

The Miami Herald reported on Friday that the administration has "made the decision" to strike Venezuelan military sites linked to what U.S. officials call the Cartel de los Soles. The paper quoted one official warning that Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro "might soon discover that he cannot flee the country even if he decided to."

The Wall Street Journal similarly reported on Thursday that Trump has been presented with potential targets—military ports, airports, airstrips, and naval facilities—believed to connect the Maduro government to narcotics trafficking networks. Both reports said the objective would be to pressure Maduro to leave office, though they noted the administration has not publicly confirmed plans to strike.

Originally published on Latin Times