According to France 24, the small English-speaking archipelago of Trinidad and Tobago is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Venezuelan coast.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry charged with the charges a few days after announcing the arrest of a Trinidadian “mercian” who allegedly entered the country as part of a group carrying “weapons of war.”
Trinidad and Tobago responded angrily to accusations that marked the sharp degradation of normal, heartfelt relationships among Caribbean neighbors.
Prime Minister Kamura Persad Vissessar warned of the risk of invasion from the Venezuelan side and said he would consider using “fatal forces” against unidentified Venezuelan ships entering the waters of Trinidad.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that her “toxic” rhetoric” would “suppose serious suspicions of accomplice” over allegations of mercenary conspiracy.
Relations between the two countries have so far overcome fallout with most of Venezuela’s international community, with the two countries collaborating on offshore oil exploration projects.
Persad-Bissessar has vowed to align her position in Venezuela with the position of US President Donald Trump, who partially bans travel from South American countries to the US.
Venezuelan Foreign Ministry warned that her attitude would “compromise a good relationship” with Caracas.
MA/PR