Trinidad and Tobago has placed its military on high alert, recalling all personnel to their bases amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The Caribbean nation, located near Venezuela’s coast, ordered troops to report to their posts under “STATE ONE ALERT LEVEL,” according to a military message obtained by AFP. Police also restricted leave for service members until further notice.
The move follows U.S. airstrikes targeting at least 15 suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, which killed 62 people. Panic erupted in Port of Spain as residents rushed to stockpile food and fuel. Authorities urged calm, stating the government is in contact with the U.S. Embassy in the city.
Washington has deployed a significant military presence, including eight Navy ships, F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico, and an aircraft carrier strike group en route to the region under the guise of combating drug trafficking. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the United States of using the issue as a pretext for regime change and oil seizure.
President Donald Trump denied considering strikes against Venezuela, stating, “No,” when asked about reports of potential attacks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also dismissed claims of imminent action.
