- Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force raised to State One Alert, its highest readiness level.
- All military personnel ordered to report to base by 6 p.m., with general muster at 6:30 p.m.
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has been placed on its highest level of operational readiness, with all soldiers and Coast Guard officers ordered to return to their bases by this evening.
According to a memo circulated to service members, the TTDF has been moved to State One Alert Level, the top posture of military readiness.
“This is not a drill,” the message read, instructing all personnel to make arrangements with their families and prepare for possible confinement.
Sources told The Express that the order was issued across the entire force on Thursday morning. Soldiers have been directed to report to the four main military bases — Cumuto, La Romaine, Chaguaramas, and Long Circular — while Coast Guard officers were told to report to Staubles Bay, Galeota Point, and the Cedros Security Complex.
The notice requires all active-duty soldiers to report by 6 p.m., with a general muster at 6:30 p.m. Those on resettlement, pre-retirement, or sick leave have been told to remain at their residences on standby, while personnel on annual leave must stay available for further orders.
One senior intelligence source told The Express that a meeting involving the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, senior staff sergeants, and battalion commanders was held around 11 a.m. and expected to conclude by early afternoon. “When that meeting is finished, we will know more,” the source said.
High-level military officials described the move as a precautionary measure designed to place the Defence Force on standby for any potential regional or national disturbance. “Some have been told to return at 1300 hours, others at 1600 hours,” one senior officer explained. “They have been given time depending on how far they live from base and will possibly be confined there until further instructions are given.”
The Miami Herald reported earlier that U.S. officials believe a land attack on Venezuela could occur within hours or days. However, sources could not confirm whether the alert in Trinidad and Tobago was directly connected to those reports.
The TTDF consists of four divisions — the Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, and Defence Force Reserves — which operate as a joint force to safeguard national security. Together, they are responsible for maintaining internal stability and supporting regional defense operations.
Military sources emphasized that the alert does not necessarily indicate an imminent threat but reflects the government’s intent to ensure rapid readiness. “It’s a proactive step,” one officer said. “You prepare before the situation develops, not after.”
The development follows rising tension in the southern Caribbean, where the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gravely recently docked in Port of Spain, prompting strong criticism from Venezuela. President Nicolás Maduro’s government condemned the visit as a provocation and ordered the suspension of bilateral gas agreements with Trinidad.
As of this evening, the Defence Force remains on State One Alert Level, with troops and officers confined to their installations pending further instructions from senior command.