Port-of-Spain: Security forces in Trinidad and Tobago are now on high alert as intelligence have unearthed a plot to assassinate the prime minister, the attorney general and two other government ministers.
All military personnel have been confined to base until further notice.
The country is being told that US Intelligence assisted local authorities and that what they have found is linked to a muslim organisation in Central Trinidad as well as a high-profile detainee.
The two othe ministers Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal.
Several persons have been arrested between Tuesday and Wednesday, including several ex-military officers.
From 11 am as the word spread through the top ranks of the police and military, all personnel attached to the military, the Coast Guard and the Air Guard have been told to report for duty and are being confined to barracks until further notice.
Sources in the military and the police say there is evidence linking the plot to a muslim organisation in Central Trinidad and a high profile person in police custody.
Some of the plans were discovered in the individual's house and our information is that it's far bigger than some other similar information gathered months ago as police conducted searches and arrests during the early weeks of the State of Emergency.
Security advisor to the prime minister Gary Griffith said, "I can confirm there has been an increase in security based on intelligence reports that there was indeed a security risk. Security mechanisms around the Prime Minister have been increased".
Earlier in the day security was beefed up for several government ministers. Military and special branch personnel were seen surrounding Ministers Rudy Indarsingh, Chandresh Sharma, Dr Tim Gopeesingh and Fazal Karim at a consultation at Crowne Plaza and a police vehicle was at the security booth of the diplomatic centre, which is not very common.
Sources say the only motive the intelligence agencies have unearthed so far is that this plot to kill was a reprisal against the prime minister or her decision to implement a State of Emergency and actions taken therein to crackdown on illegal activity.
The government and the state have not announced any official response to this threat as the State of Emergency remains in effect.
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