The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an advisory on 21/11, urging civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace to exercise extreme caution due to "deteriorating security and increased military activity in the region."

The advisory stated: "Threats could pose potential risks to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflights, takeoff and landing phases, and at airports."

A US passenger aircraft departs from Los Angeles Airport, California on 12/11. Photo: AFP

The FAA's warning comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. The US initiated an anti-drug operation in the Caribbean Sea in early September, deploying substantial forces to the area. This has raised concerns that Washington intends to destabilize the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

US forces currently deployed near Venezuela include: the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, at least 8 surface ships, one special operations support ship, an attack submarine, 8 F-35B stealth fighters, AC-130 gunships, transport aircraft, MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles, and over 10,000 troops.

US forces have attacked at least 21 suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in nearly 80 fatalities. Washington has not yet released evidence confirming that the targets were drug criminals.

In response to the increased US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela has deployed a substantial number of military personnel and equipment to conduct exercises.

Nhu Tam (Reuters, AFP)