Once again, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro found himself at the center of ridicule as he danced along to a song that humorously highlighted his awkward attempts at speaking English.
"No war, no crazy war, no, no, no, how do you say in English? Peace, peace, yes peace," Maduro was heard repeating and singing to the beat on Friday during a student day celebration in Caracas.
Amid the festivities, Maduro proclaimed, "It's Friday, and what happens on Friday? What are we going to do today? Peaceful Venezuela, Friday night is declared a full-on party! Party, party, party! It's Friday, and I'm going to party! And no one can stop me!" His words resonated among the gathered students.
International Airlines Suspend Flights to Venezuela
In the midst of ongoing tensions with the United States, the Venezuelan dictator asserted that American "threats" would not halt him. "Stop the war, no to war, Venezuela wants peace," he added.
This Saturday, it was revealed that six international airlines have temporarily halted their operations in Venezuela following a security warning issued by the United States.
The airlines affected include Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP, Colombia's Avianca, Trinidad's Caribbean Airlines, Brazil's GOL, and Chile's LATAM, all of which suspended flights to and from Venezuela on Saturday.
The decision came after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of "increased military activity" and deteriorating security conditions in the airspace of the Caribbean nation.
Marisela de Loaiza, the president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV), confirmed to EFE that the six airlines decided to cancel their operations in light of the warning, which particularly affects the Maiquetía flight information region, the hub for international arrivals and departures.
Spain's El País also reported that while the FAA has not banned flights over Venezuela, it has advised airlines to "exercise extreme caution" due to a "potential risk situation" linked to the rise in military maneuvers within or near Venezuelan territory.
The advisory remains in effect until February 19 and requires airlines to notify 72 hours in advance if they plan to enter Venezuelan airspace.
The regional context adds further concern. El País notes that the USS Gerald Ford, the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, recently joined the U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Lance, a campaign that the U.S. presents as a fight against drug trafficking but has sparked political tensions and speculations about possible actions against Nicolás Maduro's government.
International Tensions and Flight Suspensions FAQ
Why have international airlines suspended flights to Venezuela?
International airlines have suspended flights to Venezuela due to a security warning issued by the U.S. FAA, citing increased military activity and deteriorating security conditions in Venezuelan airspace.
Which airlines have halted their operations in Venezuela?
The affected airlines include Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Caribbean Airlines, GOL, and LATAM.
How long will the FAA advisory be in effect?
The FAA advisory will remain in effect until February 19, requiring airlines to notify 72 hours in advance of any plans to enter Venezuelan airspace.