Venezuela Alleges US Plot as Aircraft Carrier Nears Caribbean
Venezuela has issued a grave warning of a potential “false-flag attack” orchestrated by the US, accusing the CIA of “military provocation” as the nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier approaches Trinidad and Tobago for scheduled drills. The move has ignited fears in Caracas of US intervention in the region.
Venezuela’s Claims: False-Flag Operation?
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López claimed on state television that US intelligence is planning to stage an incident to justify military action against Venezuela.
“We have credible intelligence that the CIA is preparing a false-flag operation to blame Venezuela for an attack,” López stated, though no direct evidence was provided.
President Nicolás Maduro reinforced the warning, accusing Washington of seeking to destabilize Venezuela to exploit its resources.
US Response: ‘Routine Drills,’ No Threat
The Pentagon dismissed Venezuela’s allegations, with spokesperson Sabrina Singh calling them “baseless propaganda.”
“These are routine multinational exercises, not directed at any nation,” Singh said.
Analysts, however, note the timing coincides with heightened US-Venezuela tensions over elections, sanctions, and Venezuela’s ties to Russia and Iran.
Why Trinidad and Tobago? A Strategic Flashpoint
Located just 11 km from Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago has deepened security ties with the US, including counter-narcotics operations. Venezuela alleges the US is using the island for espionage—a claim Trinidad denies.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley emphasized: “Our cooperation with the US is transparent and lawful.”
Global Reactions: Calls for Restraint
- OAS: Urged de-escalation.
- Brazil & Colombia: Pushed for dialogue.
- Russia & China: Condemned the US deployment as “provocative.”
Experts debate whether Venezuela’s warnings are a political distraction or a genuine concern given past US interventions in Latin America.
What Comes Next?
With the USS George Washington’s arrival imminent, the risk of accidental clashes or provocations looms. The Caribbean could become a geopolitical tinderbox if tensions spiral.
