Washington (CNN) The US Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that it is suspending "all commercial passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela" indefinitely.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has approved the suspension and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has implemented it, according to a statement from DHS.

"This determination is based on the ongoing political instability and increased tensions in Venezuela and associated inadvertent risk to flight operations," the statement said, noting a concern for the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft.

A State Department official confirmed the suspension of passenger and cargo flights due to security concerns.

"On May 15, the US government announced that all nonstop flights between the United States and Venezuela are suspended, effective immediately, due to security concerns," the official told CNN.

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