Trinidad committed to backing US anti-crime mission says minister

The Trinidad and Tobago government has reaffirmed its support for the United States-led mission aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks in the Americas, even as sharp divisions emerged within the region over recent US military actions in Venezuela.

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Speaking at an extraordinary virtual meeting of foreign ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Minister of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers said Port of Spain had taken note of a January 3, 2026, statement from the United States regarding what it described as “highly sophisticated military operations” conducted within Venezuelan territory.

Sobers emphasized that Trinidad and Tobago did not participate in the military operation but maintained strong relations with both Caracas and Washington.

“While Trinidad and Tobago was not a participant in the military operations, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago maintains its strong partnership and fraternal relations with both the people of Venezuela and the United States,” Sobers said.

CELAC, a regional bloc comprising 33 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, was formed to promote political, economic, and cultural integration, foster regional dialogue, and coordinate cooperation on issues such as development, health, the environment, and global diplomacy.

The meeting was convened after Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil called on CELAC to condemn the US military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores last Saturday.

Gil described the US action as a “cowardly and criminal military aggression,” alleging that it caused civilian and military casualties. He urged CELAC to take a firm stance to restore international legality and safeguard regional stability. Gil also warned that Venezuela “remains under siege” and called on the bloc to defend national sovereignty and international law.

The United States has accused Maduro of alleged narco-terrorism and other criminal activities.

In his address, Sobers said the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration remained committed to supporting the US mission targeting transnational crime across the hemisphere, while also preserving peaceful relations with Venezuela.

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“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to maintaining a constructive and respectful relationship with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela,” Sobers said.

He added that Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to working with “like-minded nations” to promote a safer, more prosperous, and more stable Americas.