“There is no news that could, in any case, be disturbing to the Portuguese community, so the situation is perfectly calm and normalized,” stated Paulo Rangel, affirming there have been no requests to return to Portugal concerning the tension between the United States and Venezuela.
“It has been evident since the more tumultuous process of tension began between the United States and Venezuela that we are paying particular attention to our community, and even more so in recent days. So far, sincerely, whether through the consular network or through the embassy, which has been focusing all these efforts,” explained the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, speaking on the sidelines of the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in the Angolan capital.
Rangel emphasized that “with this suspension of flights, which is not yet generalized, it may happen that people intending to return may face additional difficulties and have to travel by other means, but so far, there is nothing noteworthy or related to this situation.”
Since August, Washington has maintained a significant military presence in the area, notably with half a dozen warships officially to combat drug trafficking destined for the United States.
In recent weeks, the United States has carried out around 20 airstrikes in the Caribbean and the Pacific against vessels accused—without presenting evidence—of transporting drugs, causing over 70 deaths. Venezuela accuses Washington of using the drug trafficking pretext “to impose a regime change” in Caracas and seize its oil.
TAP has indeed canceled some flights following information from U.S. aeronautical authorities regarding the security situation in the country’s airspace. Another six airlines also canceled flights to Venezuela after the United States warned civil aviation of an “increase in military activity” in the context of sending American forces to the Caribbean.
