FlightRadar24, an aviation tracking website, stated that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) instructing civilian pilots to avoid operating at all altitudes within Venezuelan airspace, effective 6h on 3/1.

FlightRadar24's flight tracking data also showed no aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace at present. The organization reported that nearly all US Air Force aircraft had switched off public position sharing in recent hours.

No aircraft transmitted signals entering Venezuelan airspace on the morning of 3/1. *Graphics: Flight Radar 24*

This development unfolded as Caracas, the capital, reported multiple large explosions and formations of military helicopters flying overhead on the morning of 3/1. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a nationwide state of emergency, accusing the US of conducting attacks on targets in various locations. The White House and the Pentagon have not commented on the information.

According to Reuters, at least 7 large explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft roared across Caracas for about 15 minutes. Witnesses reported seeing large plumes of smoke rising after the blasts, which shook many downtown areas. Some areas in the southern part of the city, near a major military base, experienced power outages.

Social media accounts posted videos showing flashes of light and plumes of smoke at multiple city locations, causing windows to rattle and brief power outages. Residents in some areas ran into the streets.

Venezuelan media reported that large explosions were also recorded in La Guaira state, north of Caracas, and the coastal city of Higuerote in Miranda state, home to the country's important oil export port.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump stated that the US had attacked and destroyed a pier area allegedly used by Venezuelan drug-carrying vessels. He did not confirm if it was a military operation or an action by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), nor did he specify the location, only saying the attack occurred "along the coast."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated mid-week that he was ready to cooperate with the US after weeks of pressure, but received no response from Washington.

Over the past few months, US President Trump repeatedly declared he would launch ground attacks in Venezuela to increase pressure for President Nicolas Maduro to leave office. Since 9/2025, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the waters off Venezuela, conducting dozens of attacks on alleged drug-carrying boats at sea, as well as attacking one of the country's ports.

Thanh Danh (According to AFP, Reuters, FlightRadar24)