TT, UK talk terrorism

We will be saying something further on that.” In a subsequent statement, the National Security Ministry said talks with the British High Commission here have confirmed there is “no specific intelligence” to suggest there could be any terrorist attack in TT.

The ministry said this is contrary to media reports which create the impression that such an event is likely.

The ministry said the language in the FCO advisory, including its section on terrorism, has been unchanged since May.

The ministry said it continues to work with local law enforcement and this country’s international partners, “including the British, with respect to counter terrorism and the sharing of intelligence.” The ministry said all of this is aimed at ensuring, “that our citizens and persons in TT are safe.” The FCO has not issued any advisory telling British citizens not to visit this country.

The FCO advised British nationals to be vigilant wherever they travel because there is a heightened threat of global terrorist attacks against British interests and citizens, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.

Former national security minister Gary Griffith said the FCO advisory was, “greatly exaggerated and not in sync with the true nature of the threat of terrorism in this country.” He said the perception that because, “70 citizens left our country to become terrorists, makes us a country deemed vulnerable to terrorists attacks is flawed.” Griffith said while foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) are recruited into Syria and at times return to their home country to recruit other people to become terrorists, “not one of those 70 FTFs from our country has returned home.” He said as a signatory to United Nations Resolution 2178, TT must inform its allies of the names of those FTFs.

Griffith said it is important to defend TT’s image and reputation, “especially if misinformation via correspondence is released by our allies and relevant agencies.”