US Embassy issues warnings to Americans in Trinidad and Tobago as US, Venezuela tensions escalate

​​​​​​​By Darren Lyn

HOUSTON, United States (AA) - The US Embassy cautioned all Americans on Saturday to stay away from American government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago as tensions escalate between Washington and Caracas.

"Due to a heightened state of alert, please avoid and refrain from visiting all U.S. Government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago through the holiday weekend," the embassy announced in an alert from the State Department.

"Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor reputable news outlets ... Report any suspicious activity to local authorities," said the alert, adding that Americans seeking to travel back to the US must have a valid US passport.

The twin-island nation is located just miles from Venezuela, and the unusual warning came as friction between the US and Venezuela has intensified after several deadly American military strikes in the Caribbean targeting suspected drug traffickers from Venezuela.

The US has conducted six air strikes in the region since early September, killing at least 29 people.

Officials said Friday that the most recent attack struck a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean and that survivors were taken into custody.

The embassy did not specify why the warning was issued, but the alert is effective through Monday, which is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago as Diwali -- a Hindu festival of lights. Of the 1.4 million people living in Trinidad and Tobago, 35% identify as East Indian.

US authorities said the alert is based on threats directed at Americans in Trinidad and Tobago. Roger Alexander, the island’s minister of homeland security, told reporters that "it could be linked" to tensions in the region.

Authorities declined to share specific details about the reported threats, but Alexander said security measures have been implemented to deal with any situation that may arise.

US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on cracking down on drug trafficking in the Caribbean, with Venezuela being a focal point.

The Trump administration has stated that it considers alleged drug traffickers as unlawful combatants who must be met with military force.