Planes Avoid Venezuelan Airspace in Anticipation of U.S. Attack

SadaNews - On Sunday, data from "Flight Radar 24," a site specialized in tracking air traffic worldwide, showed that Venezuelan airspace was completely void of any aircraft movements, amid fears that the United States might carry out a military operation against the South American country.

Images of civil aviation revealed a striking emptiness over Venezuelan airspace, at a time when expectations are rising regarding the U.S. preparedness to launch a new phase of operations in Venezuela in the coming days.

On Saturday, six international airlines announced the suspension of their flights to Venezuela, following a warning issued by the American Federal Aviation Authority about risks stemming from "increased military activity," amidst a significant buildup of U.S. forces in the region.

Marizela de Luisa, president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association, stated that the airlines "Iberia" (Spain), "Tap" (Portugal), "LATAM" (Chile), "Avianca" (Colombia), "Gol" (Brazil), and "Caribbean" (Trinidad and Tobago) have halted their flights to the country.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had advised civil aircraft in Venezuelan airspace on Friday to "exercise extreme caution," due to the "deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in Venezuela and its surroundings."

This development comes as a move looms on the horizon, with the U.S. military deploying forces in the Caribbean amid deteriorating relations with Venezuela.

Four U.S. officials told "Reuters" that the United States is preparing to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days, while the U.S. administration is ramping up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Two of the officials indicated that these operations are likely to be the first part of a new effort targeting Maduro.

The Trump administration had been considering options regarding Venezuela to combat what it described as "Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs that have cost American lives."

Two U.S. officials told "Reuters" that the options under consideration include attempts to oust Maduro.

A military buildup in the Caribbean region has been underway for months, and Trump approved the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela.

The largest U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the "Gerald R. Ford," arrived in the Caribbean on November 16 with its strike group, joining at least seven other warships and a nuclear submarine along with "F-35" aircraft.

So far, U.S. forces in the region have focused on anti-drug operations, although the amassed firepower far exceeds what is required for that purpose.

Since September, U.S. forces have conducted at least 21 raids on boats allegedly transporting drugs, resulting in the deaths of at least 83 individuals, the majority in the Caribbean, although ships in the Pacific have also been targeted.

The Venezuelan president, who has been in power since 2013, claims that Trump seeks to overthrow him, but the citizens and the military in Venezuela "will resist any such attempt."

Maduro has denied any links to drug trafficking.

Last week, he stated that disputes between the two countries should be resolved through diplomacy, and he is willing to have face-to-face talks with anyone interested.

Two U.S. officials acknowledged that talks are ongoing between Caracas and Washington, but it remains unclear whether these discussions could influence the timing or scope of potential U.S. operations.