Maduro should provide clear evidence of the attempted invasion
By W. Andy Knight

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s recent claim that a group of armed paramilitary terrorists was intercepted by the Bolivarian National Guard while attempting to invade Venezuela via Trinidad and Tobago raises several concerns and unanswered questions.
According to Maduro, the potential insurgents, mostly Colombians, were trying to enter Venezuela’s Sucre State, which is located in the northeastern part of the country, across the Gulf of Paria from Trinidad.

The proximity of Sucre State to Trinidad and Tobago is significant, as it indirectly implicates the country in several ways. How did these individuals enter Trinidad and Tobago? Why was the country used as a launching pad for their alleged nefarious activities? Who provided the “war-grade weapons” found in their possession? Was this attempted invasion a dress rehearsal for a military coup to topple the Maduro regime, and was the US involved in any way?
These questions are crucial, especially considering Maduro’s long-standing complaints about far-right fascists, enabled by the Trump administration, attempting to destabilize Venezuela. The failed Operación Gedeón in May 2020, which involved Venezuelan expatriates and a private security firm, Silvercorp USA, lends credence to Maduro’s claims.
If Maduro can produce credible evidence to support his assertion, the newly elected government of Trinidad and Tobago should be concerned about the implications of this alleged incident. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Ministry has already rejected Maduro’s claim, but if true, it could mean an increase in instability and violence in the region.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) should also take note of this development. So far, there has been no indication of concern from CARICOM or IMPACS.
It is now up to Maduro to provide clear evidence to support his claim.
Andy Knight is a professor of international relations at the University of Alberta and a former director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies.