Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has leveled serious accusations against Trinidad and Tobago, alleging collaboration with the United States and the CIA to incite military tensions in the Caribbean. In a televised address on October 28, Maduro claimed that recent joint military exercises involving a US Navy destroyer were part of a broader strategy to destabilize Venezuela. He further announced the suspension of all gas and energy-related agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, citing strained relations with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the country’s acceptance of US military presence in the region. Maduro also asserted that Venezuelan security forces had intercepted a group of CIA-funded mercenaries, uncovering plans for a high-level attack involving US naval units near Venezuelan waters. Although he provided no specific timeline for the capture, Maduro claimed to have shared ‘some clues’ with Trinidad and Tobago but refused to present evidence to the US, accusing them of collusion with the CIA. He referenced historical grievances, suggesting Trinidad and Tobago were once part of Venezuelan territory before British colonization. Drawing parallels to past US military incidents, Maduro likened the current tensions to the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898 and the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, both of which he described as self-inflicted provocations. He accused Persad-Bissessar of supporting conflict and praised Venezuelans for protesting against what he termed ‘imperialist threats.’ Maduro also claimed Venezuela had thwarted three terrorist operations in recent months, including a plot to bomb Victory Square in Caracas, and vowed to defend the nation’s sovereignty and peace.
Maduro accuses Trinidad and Tobago, US of plotting Caribbean conflict
