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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said safety is its priority and airlines must retain the freedom to assess whatever risks may be involved, amid escalating tensions between US and Venezuela.

The statement was made on December 1, two days after US president Donald Trump declared Venezuelan airspace closed.

"To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," Trump said in a Truth Social post.