6 airlines cancel flights in Venezuela after FAA warns of risks from “escalated military disasters”

Six airlines canceled flights to Venezuela on Saturday, an industry group said, after the US aviation regulator warned of risks from “increased military” amid a major build-up of US forces in the region.

Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s tap, Colombia Latam, Avianca’s Avianca and Brazil’s Gol have grounded their flights in the country, said Marisela de Loaiza, President of the Venezuelan Airlinenes Association (AMAV).

He did not specify how long the suspension of flights would last.

Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa, Spain’s Air Europa and PlusTra laser with Venezuela continue to operate flights now. Turkish Airlines said on Sunday it was canceling flights from November 24-28.

The US Federal Aviation Administration on Friday urged civilian flights in the Venezuelan AirSpace to be “Cautionary Alert” Due to the Security Breaches Caused and Times of Venezuela. “

“Threats can pose a potential risk to the flight in all directions, including during meals, landing stages and flights, and / or airports and the flight on the ground,” it said.

American Airlines and United Airlines told CBS News they have already stopped overflying Vefezuela.

Washington has sent the Carrier Cartier Strike group, some Navy warplanes to the region – The transfer is said to be aimed at reducing drug trafficking but which has come with fears in Caracas that the Law will change.

US terror designation takes effect Monday with drug cartel allegedly led by leftist Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro – A movement that some believe may open a war against his government.

Washington’s forces have gone on strike More than 20 drug trafficking allegations In the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean since the beginning of September, more than 80 people have been killed.

But the United States for now Produce concrete evidence Whether the targeted vessels were used to smuggle drugs or pose a threat to the country, and regional tensions have been fueled by the campaign and the associated military establishment.

Meanwhile, officials in the Trump Administration on Saturday discussed the possibility Throwing leaflets In Venezuela, the capital of Caracas as a kind of psychological war to suppress Maduro, many American officials and generals told CBS news.

The Washington Post first reported on the proposed pamphlet work.

President Trump said last week that he would not be able to send troops to Venezuela.

“No, I’m not revealing that,” said the President. “I’m not asking for anything. We just have to take care of Venezuela.”

For his part, Maduro on the same day he said He will be open to face-to-face talks with Mr. Trump.

Last month, Mr. Trump and confirmed it That he authorized the CIA to enter Venezuela and conduct covert operations.

There are currently approximately 15,000 US troops in the region. A naval officer told CBS News last week that the US had four warships in the western Atlantic, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, which carries the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier, and three guided-missile destroyers. It had seven other warships in the Caribbean, the official said, which included guided-missile destroyers, two guided-missile cruisers, an amphibious assault ship and two transport ships.

There are also a few US Fighter jets Stopped in Puerto Rico.

Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, faced international outcry when he announced that he had won Venezuela’s presidential election in July 2024. Despite the results showing He had lost by a large margin to the opposition.

The US is one of several countries that does not recognize him as the President of Venezuela. The Trump administration accused him of using a cartel that enjoys drugs in the US, and offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

A The new CBS News Poll It finds the majority of Americans would oppose US sovereign action in Venezuela.