FILE PHOTO: Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is seen on a laptop screen as she speaks during a virtual interview with Reuters, in Caracas, Venezuela June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Friday warned major airlines of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying over Venezuela and urged them to exercise caution.

The FAA notice cited the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela" and said threats could pose risks for aircraft at all altitudes. The announcement comes amid a massive military buildup in the region, including the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships, and F-35 aircraft.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)