Venezuela has denounced the USS Gravely’s presence in Trinidadian waters, claiming this evening that it has gathered information that the warship’s visit to Trinidad is part of a “false flag attack” to be carried out from Trinidad and Tobago.

Such an attack it said would constitute a hostile provocation against Venezuela and generate a full military confrontation, the Venezuelan government said.

A communique from the Venezuelan government moments ago claimed that the country has captured a mercenary group with information from the US’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It has determined that the attack is underway from waters bordering Trinidad or from Trinidadian or Venezuelan territory, it claimed.