Source: Trinidad Express
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has been placed on its highest level of operational readiness, known as State One Alert, after all army personnel were abruptly ordered to report to their respective bases by early evening on October 31.
The complete recall was triggered by severe regional instability, specifically escalating international media reports suggesting an imminent US military land strike against targets in neighboring Venezuela.
Multiple senior intelligence and military sources confirmed to local media that an urgent circular was issued mid-morning on October 31, instructing all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to report for duty.
A chilling internal message circulated to personnel stated, “This is not a drill. All are strongly advised to make all necessary arrangements with your families, make all personal arrangements in preparation for confinement.”
Personnel on leave, including those on pre-retirement or sick leave, were also instructed to remain at home on immediate standby. Soldiers were directed to report to the four main military bases across the country, including Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular.
The State One Alert signals that the military is now operating at its maximum posture of readiness, prepared for immediate deployment to secure national assets and borders.
High-level military officials described the move as a precautionary measure intended to place the Defence Force on standby for any potential regional or national disturbance arising from the escalating crisis.
The immediate cause of the alarm is the mounting tension between the United States and Venezuela. International news agencies, citing anonymous sources, have reported that the US administration is preparing to step up its campaign against the Maduro government, including potential military action on the Venezuelan mainland.
While the Defence Force is mobilised, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs issued a media release later in the day, urging the population to remain calm.
The ministry denied that there was any change in the national security arrangements, attributing the public anxiety to “false news reports” and clarifying that the US is currently focused on disaster relief efforts in Jamaica following a recent hurricane. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge also declined to confirm the orders in Parliament, citing that the answer would be “contrary to the public interest.”
However, these official assurances have done little to quell the palpable anxiety gripping the nation, especially as schools and businesses closed early across parts of Trinidad amid the alert.
The TTDF remains on State One Alert, with troops and officers confined to their installations pending further instructions from the senior command.
