ISIS terror attack during Trinidad and Tobago carnival ‘very likely’, Foreign Office dramatically warns as it tells Brits to remain vigilant
The Foreign Office warned to avoid crowded places after cops discovered a suspected plot to target the Mardi Gras on Monday and Tuesday
BRITISH tourists in the Caribbean have warned an ISIS terror attack is "very likely" during carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Foreign Office warned to avoid crowded places after cops discovered a suspected plot to target the Mardi Gras festivities on Monday and Tuesday.
In a dramatic late-night announcement, the Foreign Office said: "The Trinidad and Tobago authorities have arrested some individuals who planned to carry out attacks against Carnival on February 12 and 13."
Officials added: "An attack is still possible. The Trinidad and Tobago government is increasing security measures for the Carnival.
"Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Trinidad and Tobago.
"Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded spaces and places visited by foreigners. You should remain vigilant and avoid crowded places and large gatherings."
Around 30,000 Britons a year visit the country. Some have family links to Trinidad but most are tourists heading to Tobago, which has direct flights from London on BA and Virgin.
Surprisingly, the island nation of just 1.3million has the highest ISIS recruitment rate of any country in the Western hemisphere.
Around 125 people are feared to have travelled to fight in Syria and Iraq, and they pose a severe threat when they return home. Authorities are also wary of home-grown terrorists radicalised in the country.
The Foreign Office travel advice update warned: “There’s a threat from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh and al Qaeda, to carry out so-called ‘lone actor’ attacks targeting public events or places.”
The crowded streets during carnival would be a soft target for an ISIS-inspired bomb or truck attack.
Last year Trinidad jihadi Shane Crawford, who goes by the nom-de guerre Abu Sa'd at-Trinidadi, featured in the group's propaganda magazine.
The sniper called on ISIS supporters back home to "attack the interests of the Crusader coalition", including embassies, businesses and civilians.
He said: "Follow the example of the lions in France and Belgium, the example of the blessed couple in California, and the examples of the knights in Orlando and Nice.
"You have the ability to terrify the disbelievers in their own homes and make their streets run with their blood."
Trinidad and Tobago, the southernmost nation in the Caribbean, is ethnically diverse with many people of African and Indian heritage as well as Chinese, European and Arab minorities.
Around 5 per cent of the population are Muslim, according to the 2011 census.
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A small radical group known as Jamaat al-Muslimeen (“Community of Muslims”) launched a coup attempt in 1990, led by a convert named Yasin Abu Bakr who is now an imam on Trinidad and hosts a weekly radio show.
Last night it emerged the remaining two Brit members of the "Beatles" beheading gang led by Jihadi John had been captured in Syria.
Last month we revealed the world's tourist terror hot spots at "high risk" of attacks.
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