Venezuela says it has thwarted what it calls a CIA-linked plot to attack a US warship anchored in Trinidad.

It claims the US would have blamed Venezuela for the attack on the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, to justify aggression against it.

The allegation comes a day after Venezuela said it had arrested mercenaries it alleges were connected to the US intelligence agency.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement he had advised Trinidad and Tobago of the alleged false-flag operation.

"On our territory a criminal cell financed by the CIA and linked to this covert operation is being dismantled," Mr Gil said.

Interior Minister Diosadado Cabello said at least four suspects were arrested.

Venezuela, which regularly claims to have arrested US-backed mercenaries, did

See Full Page