US launches balloon near Venezuela to monitor airspace
The United States launched a special high-altitude balloon (stratostat) over the coast of Puerto Rico to provide continuous monitoring of the surrounding airspace. The launch was reported by the San Juan Flight Information Region control centre, which oversees air traffic over the island and adjacent waters near Venezuela.
According to the control centre, the stratostat operates at an altitude of approximately 18–20 km, allowing for constant monitoring and control. Airspace users were informed in advance about the launch.
Earlier, former President Donald Trump urged airlines, pilots, and those involved in drug and human trafficking to respect that Venezuelan airspace is closed.
Meanwhile, The Atlantic reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is negotiating his resignation in exchange for security guarantees.
Trump has stated that he believes Maduro’s days in office are numbered.
