The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, claims to have captured alleged mercenaries linked to the CIA, accusing the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago of planning military provocations against Venezuela. The assertion coincides with a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug cartels, which Venezuela links to a potential pretext for war. The Maduro regime warns of threats to its sovereignty and maintains that its armed forces will remain vigilant.