US Warship Arrives on Venezuela's Doorstep

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said on Oct. 24 that the two nations are working together to tackle “shared threats like transnational crime” and build resilience.

“The partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago exemplifies regional strength through collaboration,” she stated. “Our cooperation ensures greater safety and stability across the Caribbean region.”

Venezuela’s contested socialist government has warned that the joint exercises between Trinidad and the United States pose a “serious threat” to stability in the Caribbean region, according to a statement issued by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez on Oct. 26.

Venezuela accused Trinidad of engaging in a “military provocation” in coordination with the CIA and alleged that a false flag attack was underway in the waters between Trinidad and Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government also claimed to have captured “a mercenary group with direct information from the U.S. intelligence agency.”

Venezuela said the alleged false flag attack was intended to “generate a full military confrontation” against it, but it did not provide any details to support its claim.

Venezuela later responded to Trump’s comments, saying they were a violation of international law and an effort to effect a “regime change” in pursuit of oil resources.