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 alleged 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 had been arrested.
Venezuela, which regularly claims to have arrested US-backed mercenaries, did not give further details about the alleged plot.
The US has already launched several air strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea that it alleges were involved in drug trafficking, killing 43 people.
US President Donald Trump said the mounting military campaign in international waters was against alleged drug traffickers in Latin America.
But Venezuela claims the US is working to oust President Nicolás Maduro, who Washington does not recognise as a legitimate leader.
Charles Sturt University terrorism studies lecturer César Álvarez told the ABC earlier in October it was increasingly appearing as though the US was seeking a regime change.
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