The U.S. State Dept. and UK Foreign Office have both issued security messages for Trinidad and Tobago for upcoming Carnival celebrations taking place Feb 12-13. More than 150,000 Americans and 30,000 British citizens visit Trinidad and Tobago every year.
The U.S. security message generically refers to a disrupted plot to attack Carnival celebrations and warns U.S. government personnel of the need additional caution and increased situational awareness.
https://tt.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-port-spain-february-8-2018/The UK Foreign Office warning is much more significant:
"Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Trinidad and Tobago. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded spaces and places visited by foreigners.
The Trinidad and Tobago authorities have arrested some individuals who planned to carry out attacks against Carnival on 12 and 13 February 2018. An attack is still possible. The Trinidad and Tobago government is increasing security measures for the Carnival. You should remain vigilant and avoid crowded places and large gatherings."https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/trinidad-and-tobagoBackgroundIt is estimated that approximately 10% of the 1.3 million person population of Trinidad and Tobago is Muslim.
More than 100 of its citizens left to join Islamic State as foreign fighters, one of the highest recruitment rates in the world.
In 1990 an Islamist group known as Jamaat al Muslimeen launched a failed coup attempt in the country.
In 2007, key arrests took place Trinidad related to a thwarted plot to blow up fuel tanks, terminal buildings and fuel lines running beneath Kennedy International Airport.
[ Alert Note: The UK alert was issued prior to the U.S. alert. Both were formally broadcast overnight.]
