Venezuela Claims Capture of CIA-Linked Mercenaries Amid Caribbean Tensions

Venezuela's government has announced the capture of a group of mercenaries allegedly linked to the CIA in a plot described as a "false flag" operation intended to provoke a military conflict with the United States, particularly around joint military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago. Venezuelan officials claim the mercenaries planned to attack a U.S. military ship near the maritime border to justify American intervention, accusing Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister of compromising her country's sovereignty by hosting U.S. forces. In response, Venezuela vowed to defend its sovereignty firmly against any aggression. The U.S., under President Trump, has escalated military presence in the Caribbean, deploying thousands of troops, warships including the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, and conducting multiple strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Trump has confirmed authorization of covert CIA operations in Venezuela and indicated an expansion of military activities from maritime to land. Meanwhile, Venezuela's leadership calls for peace and has received offers from regional leaders to mediate tensions amid increasing fatalities from U.S. strikes and heightened geopolitical strain in the region.