Venezuela on Friday suggested Trinidad and Tobago could be behind an alleged incursion of mercenaries onto its territory, ratcheting up a row with its neighbor, which has threatened "deadly force" against Venezuelan vessels.

The small English-speaking archipelago of Trinidad and Tobago lies about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Venezuelan coast.

Venezuela's foreign ministry made its accusation days after announcing the arrest of a Trinidadian "mercenary" who allegedly entered the country as part of a group carrying "weapons of war."

Trinidad and Tobago reacted angrily to the accusations which marked a sharp deterioration in usually cordial relations between the Caribbean neighbors.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar warned of the risk of an incursion from the Venezuelan side and s

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