US embassy warns Americans over travel to Trinidad and Tobago as Venezuela tensions flare

The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday urged U.S. citizens to stay away from American government facilities in the Caribbean country.

The security alert was issued due to “a heightened state of alert,” and urged Americans to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. Americans were also urged to monitor “reputable news outlets.”

American visitors to the country were also told to tell friends and family to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme to receive alerts and updates from the embassy.

The alert was based on threats toward Americans that “could be linked” to ongoing tensions in the region, Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander told The Associated Press.

Trinidad and Tobago is located off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, where President Trump has increased military pressure on Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has also carried out several military strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats in international waters near the country.

Trump, during a Friday lunch meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warned Maduro against conducting any military action against the U.S. The Venezuelan president “offered everything” during diplomatic talks with the U.S. before they were called off, Trump said.

“He has offered everything,” Trump said. “He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to f‑‑‑ around with the United States.”

On Wednesday, Trump confirmed that he authorized the CIA to carry out covert land operations within Venezuela.

Seen by most of the international community as Venezuela’s illegitimate president, the U.S. indicted Maduro on charges of leading a drug cartel in 2020. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio increased a reward to $50 million for any information leading to Maduro’s arrest. (The Hill)