PM Kamla: Trinidad and Tobago Not Involved in US Military Action in Venezuela

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has moved swiftly to distance Trinidad and Tobago from United States military operations carried out in Venezuela early Saturday, amid rising regional concern and uncertainty following claims by US President Donald Trump that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured during the action.

According to international reports, the United States launched a series of large-scale military strikes on Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two countries. Explosions and fires were reported at several military and strategic infrastructure sites, including Fuerte Tiuna, La Carlota air base, and the Port of La Guaira. The strikes reportedly began around 2:00 a.m. local time in Caracas.

President Trump later claimed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during the operation and flown out of Venezuela. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement agencies and announced that further details would be shared at a news conference scheduled for later today at Mar-a-Lago.

The Venezuelan government has since declared a State of Emergency. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said President Maduro’s whereabouts are currently unknown and publicly demanded “proof of life,” further intensifying uncertainty surrounding the situation.

As speculation mounted about regional involvement, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar issued a public statement via social media at 5:44 a.m. on Saturday, making clear that Trinidad and Tobago played no role in the military action.

“Earlier this morning, Saturday 3rd January, 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela,” the Prime Minister said. “Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.”

The government’s position was later reaffirmed in an official media release from the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.

The unfolding developments have also triggered a regional response. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) confirmed that its Conference of Heads of Government convened early Saturday to discuss reports of military action in Venezuela. In a statement, CARICOM said the situation is of grave concern to the Region, particularly given the potential implications for neighbouring states.

“Caricom is actively monitoring the situation which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries. Caricom will continue to update the people of the Region as more information is received,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Caribbean Airlines has sought to reassure travelers, confirming that there are no disruptions to its flight operations scheduled for today, January 3.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, governments across the Caribbean remain on alert, closely monitoring developments that could have significant security, economic, and diplomatic implications for the Region.