The announcement came a week after the US Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert to major airlines about a potentially dangerous situation when flying over Venezuela. The regulator cited a worsening security environment and increased military activity in and around the country.
Following the warning, Venezuela cancelled the operating rights of six major international airlines. These carriers had already suspended their flights to Venezuela after receiving the FAA advisory.
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have been growing in recent weeks. The United States has deployed additional military assets to the Caribbean, leading to speculation about possible action against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. According to two US officials, covert measures are expected to form the first phase of any new campaign targeting the Maduro administration.
The officials also said that Washington is considering options that include efforts to remove Maduro from office. Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has repeatedly claimed that the United States is attempting to overthrow him and that Venezuelan citizens along with the military will resist any such attempt.
A military buildup in the Caribbean has been taking shape for several months. Trump has reportedly authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela. After the FAA warning on Friday, three international airlines cancelled flights departing from Venezuelan airports on Saturday, citing security concerns.
