🔗 Share this article

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has stated it will permit the United States military to operate from its airports shortly. This decision follows heightening regional tensions between the US and its neighbor Venezuela.

New Defense System Sparks Debate

The news comes after the deployment of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean officials have insisted the radar's sole use is for combating local criminal activity, stressing it will not be a launchpad for attacks against any nation.

Government opponents warn, however, that the partnership might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's intensifying efforts against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro.

Nature of Access and Official Statements

According to a ministry statement, US activities at the airports would be for logistical support, assisting with stocking provisions and standard troop rotations. Officials offered no specifics beyond this.

The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past praised US airstrikes targeting alleged drug ships in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have allegedly led to dozens of fatalities, including several Trinidadian citizens.

Initial Claims and Later Disclosures

At first, Persad-Bissessar claimed a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was transporting marines to assist with a civilian road construction project. Yet, after images surfaced of the radar installation, she acknowledged that no fewer than 100 marines were on the ground in the country, along with the high-performance radar.

This system, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is described as aerial monitoring, defense, and artillery detection operations.

Close Neighbors

The twin-island nation is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. It has main airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.

This development follows a prior event in October, when a US naval vessel was stationed in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military posture on Venezuela.

In related developments, US lawmakers have raised questions about the lawfulness of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have called for a formal investigation.