U.S. Issues Aviation Alert Due to Increased Military Activity in Venezuela

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a cautionary alert to civilian aircraft flying over Venezuela, highlighting a "potentially hazardous situation" due to an "increase in military activity" in the South American nation's airspace.

Amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, this alert is part of a series of military maneuvers and statements that have heightened concern in the Caribbean region.

Airlines Advised to Exercise Caution at All Altitudes

The FAA's warning advises airlines to proceed "with caution" when operating over Venezuelan territory, citing a "deteriorating security situation" impacting both in-transit flights and grounded aircraft. While the notice does not specify concrete threats, it mentions "potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes," including those on the ground.

This alert stops short of a formal flight ban, allowing flights to continue over Venezuelan airspace but requiring airlines to notify the FAA of their itineraries at least 72 hours in advance. Companies such as American Airlines and United Airlines have already ceased operations over Venezuela due to anticipated operational risks, as confirmed to Reuters.

Significant Military Deployment in the Caribbean

The FAA's concerns are closely linked to "Operation Southern Lance," a Pentagon-led military exercise that includes an unprecedented naval deployment near Venezuela. The stated aim, according to Washington, is to curb drug trafficking threats, although Caracas views these actions as attempts at destabilization and military pressure.

This operation involves the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier globally, along with destroyers and other warships operating in nearby waters. U.S. forces have engaged in actions against 21 vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of over 80 individuals labeled as "narco-terrorists" by the U.S., though no public evidence has been provided to support these claims.

Military Exercises and Political Tensions

The FAA alert also notes that "Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and the mass mobilization of thousands of military and reserve forces." However, it clarifies that the Venezuelan Air Force has not shown intentions to target civilian aircraft thus far.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Southern Command (AFSOUTH) confirmed a "bomber strike demonstration" as part of the aerial component of the operation on November 21. Images of combat aircraft, including B-52 strategic bombers and F-35 fighters, were shared on social media, showing exercises in Puerto Rico at the José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba.

On the same day, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the impending designation of the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organization, set for November 24, stating it "brings a lot of new options to the U.S." According to Washington, this cartel is allegedly led by Nicolás Maduro himself, although these accusations have been repeatedly denied by the Venezuelan leader, who disavows any connection to drug trafficking activities.

Caracas Denounces "Aggression" and "Deliberate Threat"

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemned the joint maneuvers between the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago as an "aggression." These operations took place between November 16 and 21 on the Caribbean island, located just 11 kilometers off the Venezuelan coast.

"It is sad that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago lends its territory, degrades its territory, its sovereignty, for the placement of instruments for death and the mass destruction of peoples," Padrino stated in a video shared on social media. He also accused that the military actions are part of a "deliberate plan to threaten Venezuela," coordinated with the United States.

Trinidad and Tobago, for its part, defended its participation in the exercises, which are part of a "deep and lasting security alliance" with Washington, formalized through the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in 2024, as confirmed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The tensions are not only military but also political. The Trump administration has intensified its rhetoric against Nicolás Maduro, who it does not recognize as the legitimate president following the 2024 elections. The Venezuelan opposition has presented documents that, according to their claims, demonstrate the victory of former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia.

For Caracas, this hostile environment is politically motivated, aiming for Maduro's forced removal from power. The Venezuelan leader has denounced that the anti-drug operations in the Caribbean are an "excuse" to conceal the true intent of ousting him through military pressure and regional destabilization.