The FAA issued a NOTAM at 6:03 am UTC on Jan. 3 warning of “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity” in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region that covers Venezuela and prohibits U.S. aircraft operations at all altitudes. Numerous social media reports significant explosions around Caracas and CH-47 helicopters commonly associated with U.S. Special Forces have been spotted operating in the area, according to open source intelligence feeds.