DEFENCE Minister Wayne Sturge says Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will be briefed about decisions to recall TT Defence Force (TTDF) personnel to base and a subsequent order for them to stand down.

He made this comment on November 2 in response to an order issued on October 31 for active military personnel to be recalled to base by 6 pm on that day, all military installations being locked down and then an order being issued at 11.15 pm, for personnel to stand down.

These decisions fueled speculation that US military strikes against targets in Venezuela were imminent. This saw some schools closing early on October 31 and some people engaging in panic buying at supermarkets.