Minister of Defence, Wayne Sturge, has commended the coordinated efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force following a late-night rescue operation that led to the safe recovery of kidnapping victim Ms. Tara Poliah.
According to the Ministry, Ms. Poliah was abducted shortly after sundown. Acting swiftly on intelligence, units of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment mounted a coordinated response which resulted in the interception of a vessel reportedly en route to Venezuela with the victim onboard.
Seven foreign nationals and one Trinidad and Tobago national were detained during the operation.
Minister Sturge praised Chief of Defence Staff Don Polo and the officers and enlisted members involved for what he described as a “swift, timely and clinically coordinated” operation. He noted that the outcome highlights the strengthened operational capability of the Defence Force and effective collaboration between military and law enforcement agencies, particularly under the current State of Emergency.
The Ministry also confirmed that follow-on operations remain active in the Maracas and Las Cuevas areas as personnel continue security exercises.
While acknowledging longstanding challenges affecting the nation’s military capacity, Minister Sturge reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to decisive action aimed at protecting citizens and securing national borders.
He further expressed gratitude to the service members involved, stating that their bravery, dedication to duty, and commitment to service warrant the highest commendation.