US authorities yesterday detained Luis Posada Carriles in Miami, setting up a confrontation with Cuba and Venezuela over whether the alleged perpetrator of a 1976 aircraft bombing should be deported on terrorism-related charges.

US Customs and Immigration (ICE) officials said 77-year-old Mr Posada had been arrested "pending review of his immigration status". Under normal procedures, authorities would have 48 hours to decide whether to charge him with an immigration-related offence or seek his deportation.