Six international airlines have indefinitely suspended flights to Venezuela after the United States issued warnings about increased military activity in the region, as the U.S. prepares to escalate its actions against Venezuela’s government.
Spain’s Iberia, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s Gol, and Caribbean Airlines have halted flights, according to Venezuelan Airlines Association president Marisela de Loaiza. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Friday that airlines should use caution in the area.
“Operators are advised to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia flight information region at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela,” wrote the FAA. The Maiquetia region covers Venezuela.
“Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground.”
Turkish Airlines has also suspended flights until Friday. Airlines like Venezuela’s LASER and Panama’s Copa are continuing to operate.
According to the FAA’s warnings, there has been an increase in navigation satellite system interference in the area, and Venezuela has been mobilising its military forces since September.
“While Venezuela has at no point expressed an intent to target civil aviation, the Venezuelan military possesses advanced fighter aircraft and multiple weapons systems capable of reaching or exceeding civil aircraft operating altitudes, as well as potential low-altitude risk from man-portable air defence systems and anti-aircraft artillery,” it wrote.
The FAA advisory is set to expire on 19 February.
The U.S. is preparing for a potential new phase of action against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Reuters reported, which would likely include covert operations. U.S. officials are reportedly considering ousting Maduro, alleging he has ties to drug trafficking operations.
At least eight U.S. warships have been deployed to the region. The U.S. military has also killed at least 83 people in strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean since September, which United Nations experts have called a violation of international law.
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