Venezuela Condemns US Military Build-up Near Border Amid Rising Tensions

Venezuela has strongly condemned the deployment of the US naval vessel USS Gravely to Trinidad and Tobago, describing it as a provocative military action coordinated with the CIA aimed at destabilizing the region and potentially inciting a military confrontation. The Venezuelan government, led by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, accused Trinidad and Tobago of joining the US's "war mongering agenda" and announced plans to withdraw from a joint natural gas exploration agreement in retaliation. This military escalation includes the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group, marking the largest US naval buildup in the Latin American region in decades, which Venezuela views as a reckless provocation and a sovereignty violation. US President Donald Trump has authorized CIA covert operations in Venezuela and is considering expanded military actions, including potential ground attacks against drug cartels, though these claims are denied by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela has accused the US of conducting false flag operations in the region and has vowed to defend its sovereignty against what it sees as an imminent act of aggression. The situation reflects heightened tensions in the Caribbean, with Venezuela accusing the US and its regional partners of escalating hostilities under the guise of anti-drug trafficking operations.