Tensions Escalate Between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago
According to webangah News Agency, Venezuela has accused its neighbor Trinidad and tobago of potential involvement in a recent armed incursion by mercenaries into Caracas.
In response, Trinidad and Tobago warned it may use “lethal force” against any Venezuelan vessels entering its waters, further intensifying regional tensions.
The English-speaking archipelago lies just 10 miles (16 km) off Venezuela’s coast. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry leveled the accusation days after announcing the arrest of a Trinidadian “mercenary” allegedly part of an armed group that illegally entered Caracas with “military-grade weapons.”
Trinidadian Prime Minister Keith rowley cautioned against potential Venezuelan aggression, stating his government would consider deploying “lethal force” against unidentified Venezuelan vessels entering Trinidadian waters.
The dispute began last Tuesday when Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claimed an armed group from Trinidad and Tobago had infiltrated Caracas. Prime Minister Rowley denied any involvement by his country in the incident.
Yesterday, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry asserted that Rowley’s ”hostile tone” raises serious doubts about possible collusion in what it called a conspiracy.
