In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Venezuela has severed all energy ties with Trinidad and Tobago, citing “hostile” actions by its Caribbean neighbor. The decision was announced by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during his weekly television address on Monday night. Maduro accused Trinidad of becoming “the aircraft carrier of the US empire” and stated that Venezuela had no alternative but to withdraw from energy agreements established with Port of Spain a decade ago. This move follows the arrival of the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely in Trinidad’s capital for joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. While US and Trinidadian officials emphasized that the drills are part of routine security cooperation, Venezuela perceives them as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The USS Gravely is scheduled to remain in port until Thursday, further intensifying the diplomatic rift between the nations.