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UNITED States President Donald Trump’s sudden warning yesterday to airlines to avoid the airspace “above and surrounding Venezuela” has created a palpable sense of unease among travellers at Piarco International Airport.

The warning comes at a time when tensions in the region are rising, and the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean. American officials say the mission is aimed at stopping drug trafficking linked to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but the size of the operation and recent statements from Washington have led many to wonder if a military strike could happen.

This possibility has worried many people in Trinidad and Tobago, given how close the islands are to Venezuela.