US aviation alert near Venezuela as Trump signals no limits on response, deploys B-52 for “attack demo”, FAA to…

The United States has issued an updated aviation alert for airspace near Venezuela on the same day President Doland Trump authorised the use of a B-52 nuclear-capable bomber for what officials referred to as an “attack demo.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen at 1:08 PM ET, notifying pilots, airlines, and air traffic personnel of a “potentially hazardous situation” related to raised security concerns and increased military activity in and over the airspace of Venezuela.

What triggered the sudden US aviation alert near Venezuela?

Shortly after the advisory was issued, the Air Force confirmed that a B-52, supported by KC-135 Stratotankers and fighters, had performed a bomber attack demonstration in the US Southern Command region. Officials said the operation forms part of ongoing missions targeting drug trafficking networks believed to have links to Venezuela.

The FAA advisory applies to the Maiquetia Flight Information Region, which consists of all Venezuelan airspace and parts of the southern Caribbean Sea, including areas above Colombia, Guyana, Brazil and Trinidad. The advisory cautioned that threats could affect aircraft “at all altitudes,” which includes overflights, departures, arrivals and even planes on the ground, as cited by news agency ANI.

This advisory was issued as Trump continues to keep open the possibility of military action against Venezuela, amid what has been described as the largest US troop deployment in the Caribbean since the Cold War.

The president has framed the pressure effort as one against “narco-terrorists,” whom he claimed were acting on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump claimed he “probably would talk to” Maduro but emphasised he was “not ruling out anything”, indicating that military intervention remains a potential option.He accused Maduro of causing “tremendous damage” to the US by enabling drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

Later in the day, Maduro signalled his willingness to engage in dialogue with the Trump administration, adding to speculation over future developments. Meanwhile, Washington is expected to move towards designating the Cartel de los Soles, which it claims is directed by Maduro, as a terrorist organisation.This latest escalation follows the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying naval group in the Caribbean, alongside continuing US operations aimed at intercepting vessels suspected of transporting narcotics.

(With ANI Inputs)