Venezuela stated on Monday that it had uncovered a cell funded by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that was planning a false flag provocation against a US warship deployed in the southern Caribbean Sea. This statement followed an escalation of pressure from Washington, expressed through the deployment of strategic bombers in close proximity to the Venezuelan coast. According to Venezuelan authorities, the thwarted operation was targeting the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107), which arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, representing the closest point to the Venezuelan mainland.
The presence of the American destroyer provoked a sharp reaction in Caracas, which characterized it as an intentional provocation aimed at “igniting a conflict in the Caribbean.” The incident has also strained relations with the government of Trinidad and Tobago. In response to the actions of the neighboring country, President Maduro announced on Monday evening the suspension of the natural gas supply agreement, accusing Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of turning her country “into an aircraft carrier of the American empire, aimed against Venezuela.”
Venezuelan Minister of Interior, Diosdado Cabello, stated on Monday that the “CIA-funded cell” was planning an attack on the aforementioned ship and to blame Caracas for it. According to Cabello’s statement, four individuals were detained as part of a counterintelligence operation. Details regarding their identity and alleged involvement in the incident have not been disclosed. It is noteworthy that the Venezuelan government regularly announces the arrest of alleged mercenaries receiving support from the United States, who are attempting to destabilize the political situation and the administration of Nicolas Maduro.
In addition to the naval buildup, President Trump has stated that he has authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and is considering armed strikes.