The Colombian government, through the Minister of Transportation, María Fernanda Rojas, accused the United States of carrying out “technological sabotage” against Venezuelan airspace, after detecting alterations that include “deceptive signals, cyberattacks, and manipulation of GPS systems.” Rojas described these acts as a violation of international borders and demanded an urgent response from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“To carry out technological sabotage today…” “An air operation anywhere in the world is a crime,” the official declared, warning that the situation could spread to Colombia or other countries.
The minister announced that she will raise the issue with President Gustavo Petro due to its impact on regional security. Her statements come in response to recent incidents affecting flights in Venezuela, following the temporary suspension of operations by the airlines Satena and Wingo.
Rojas emphasized that “deceptive signals are being emitted, cyberattacks, signals intended to deceive positioning equipment, GPS,” which puts air navigation and passenger safety at risk, something that “crosses all boundaries.”
Meanwhile, Luis Alfonso Martínez, acting director of Colombia’s Civil Aeronautics Authority, rejected the “expressions of uncertainty” regarding Venezuelan sovereignty and confirmed talks with local airlines to resume flights. He added that they maintain “direct communication with Venezuelan authorities and affected companies,” in addition to verifying passenger situations to facilitate immediate transfers.
“They even offered us some very important, highly reputable insurance companies. They say that if, for example, Wingo, Satena, and the other airlines want to avoid a situation based on insurance concerns, they will make direct contact with the insurance company.” “So they can do their homework,” he explained, referring to guarantees to overcome obstacles stemming from the suspension of services.
President Trump’s threats have escalated to the announcement of possible actions in Venezuelan and Colombian territory, based on his war on drugs, which has cost the lives of more than 80 people in the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans and threatens the sovereignty of nations in the region.
The case has generated diplomatic tensions, as Colombia links the technical alterations to external actions, and experts point out that the manipulation of navigation systems could violate international aviation conventions.
IMAGE CREDIT: The Minister of Transportation, María Fernanda Rojas, announced that she will raise the issue with President Gustavo Petro due to its impact on regional security. Photo: @MinTransporteCo.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
