The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday urged American citizens to stay away from all U.S. government facilities in the country through the holiday weekend, citing a heightened state of alert, according to the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.
The embassy advised people to be vigilant, monitor reputable news outlets, inform the authorities of suspicious activity, and ensure that they have valid U.S. passports if traveling. It also advised Americans to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
The security notice arrived as regional tensions have risen following a series of U.S. strikes in Caribbean waters targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels near Venezuelan territory. At least 28 people have been killed in six operations since early September, according to reporting by the Associated Press. Trinidad and Tobago’s minister of homeland security, Roger Alexander, said the alert was based on threats directed at Americans and “could be linked” to those regional developments, the AP reported. Local authorities said they have implemented security measures but did not detail the steps.
The most recent strike was a surprise in Trinidad after two fishermen were reported to have gone missing and were presumed dead last week. Survivors of the recent interdiction were captured after a suspected drug-trafficking boat was attacked, American officials have said, according to the Associated Press. The Trump administration said it regards self-styled drug traffickers as illegal combatants subject to being dealt with militarily, according to the Associated Press.
Trinidad and Tobago authorities have appealed for restraint while they assess the situation and coordinate with U.S. partners. The embassy advisory did not point to a particular threat, timing, or target other than advising Americans against going to U.S. government facilities during the holiday weekend.
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