Venezuela suspends some private jet flights in security operation

Venezuelan authorities halted flights by private jets leaving from seven airports on Thursday in a campaign to crack down on drug trafficking and review flight permits The operation, called Sovereign Skies by the government, did not affect commercial flights at the country's main airport outside Caracas, according to personnel there. Standing on an airstrip around dawn, Vice President Jorge Arreaza told state TV the efforts were meant to "eradicate the illicit trafficking of drugs as well as the illegal use of commercial or private planes." More…