US Allies Issue Travel Warnings for Venezuela as Trump Ta...

By Dan Gooding and Shane CroucherShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

Germany updated its travel advice for Venezuela on Monday, warning citizens that the security situation there is "tense" and could rapidly deteriorate, as U.S. President Donald Trump deploys warships to the Caribbean to pressure President Nicolas Maduro over drug cartels. Trump is weighing his options, including striking Venezuela and attempting to topple socialist Maduro.

It came a day after the U.K. issued new travel advice for Venezuela, warning that flights were being canceled at short notice by airlines amid the situation in the Caribbean. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had warned pilots on Friday to exercise caution when flying over Venezuela because of the dangers posed by the security situation.

The Trump administration has rapidly built up its forces in the Caribbean and repeatedly struck what it has said were gang-operated drug boats carrying illicit narcotics to the U.S., often killing those on board. Trump accuses Maduro of heading up a lucrative drug mafia, which he denies, and profiting from the illegal drug trade in the U.S.

"The situation in Venezuela is currently tense," said the foreign office in Berlin in its new Venezuela advisory, originally in German.

"Further deterioration of the security situation is possible at any time, even at short notice. This could lead to nationwide roadblocks, increased police checks, and disruptions to travel, as well as additional restrictions on mobile networks and internet access."

This is a developing article. Updates to follow.