Venezuela Warns of US 'Aggression' from Aruba, Curacao

Venezuela is repeating its accusation that the United States is using the Dutch islands of Aruba and Curacao, off the Caribbean coast, for a possible military attack against Venezuela.

In a statement Thursday, the Venezuelan government accused the U.S. of working with the Netherlands to prepare an aggression against Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made the same claim earlier this month.

The United States called the allegation "baseless."  Dutch authorities say U.S. staff have been based in Aruba and Curacao to conduct drug surveillance operations over the Caribbean.

Venezuela also has been at odds with Colombia over an agreement allowing the U.S. to use seven Colombian military bases for anti-drug operations.

President Chavez has called the deal a threat to his country, but the U.S. and Colombia say the agreement does not pertain to other nations.