Venezuela has suspended energy agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, citing “hostile” actions after the island nation hosted the U.S. warship USS Gravely for joint naval exercises.

President Nicolás Maduro accused Trinidad of acting as an “aircraft carrier of the U.S. empire” and announced the withdrawal from treaties signed a decade ago, following a recommendation from Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

Trinidad’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the exercises as routine and for “internal security,” emphasizing that her country’s economic plans are independent of Venezuela.

Tensions are fueled by U.S. strikes on Venezuelan speedboats allegedly carrying drugs to the United States, which Trinidad has supported as part of anti-drug operations, the AP has reported.

The military buildup in the southern Caribbean, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier and multiple warships, has heightened Venezuelan fears of U.S. interference and potential attempts to oust Maduro.