Venezuelan airspace closed to US civil flights due to increased military activity

?(Image from Avianca website)President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that Venezuela's airspace should be considered closed to all civil flights. The FAA released a NOTAM on Nov. 21 warning operators to exercise caution when flying in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR) due to increased military activity. Venezuela has conducted multiple military exercises and mobilized thousands of military and reserve forces since early September. It also claims to have received reports of some civil aircraft experiencing GNSS interference while transiting the SVZM FIR, which has caused lingering effects throughout the flight in some cases. Six international airlines suspended flights after the announcement, according to Aeromorning.com. The carriers are Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, GOL, LATAM and Caribbean Airlines. Venezuela revoked operating rights for the airlines following the suspension on Nov. 24, according to Reuters. IATA has urged the country to reconsider, as the airlines have stated they are willing to restore service safely and efficiently as soon as conditions allow.RELATED STORIES:Understanding airspace: a beginner's guideFAA gives update on Florida's Ultra-High Airspace and how it works AOPA and COPA send letter urging for BasicMed Pilots in Canadian airspacePresident Trump stated on Thursday that the U.S. could start targeting alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers on land soon, an operation that previously focused on the sea. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in the Caribbean as part of a buildup of U.S. military forces in the region, according to NBC News. At least two dozen strikes have been carried out on vessels that White House officials said were carrying drugs.The airspace declaration is part of broader efforts to depose President Nicolás Maduro, whose re-election remains disputed by many countries. The Cartel de los Soles, a foreign terrorist group, is allegedly led by Maduro, according to Air Data News.