Trinidad and Tobago Grants US Military Use to Its Airports As Growing Strains with Venezuela
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will authorize the United States military to utilize its airports in coming weeks. This decision comes as increasing geopolitical friction between the US and its neighbor Venezuela.
New Defense System Fuels Controversy
This statement follows the recent deployment of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean authorities state the radar's sole use is for combating illegal operations, asserting it is not a base for attacks against foreign states.
Critics and opposition figures argue, however, that the partnership could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's broader efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Nature of Access and Official Statements
As per a ministry statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, facilitating supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations. Officials did not elaborate regarding the scope.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously praised US military strikes targeting alleged drug ships in regional waters, actions that have reportedly led to numerous fatalities, among them a number of Trinidadian citizens.
Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures
Initially, Persad-Bissessar claimed a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to support a local road construction project. However, after images surfaced of the defense system, she conceded that at least 100 marines were stationed in the country, along with the powerful radar.
This system, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for aerial monitoring, defense, and artillery detection operations.
Proximity and Geography
The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has main airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.
This development follows a previous incident in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's growing military posture on Venezuela.
Meanwhile, American legislators have raised questions about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a formal investigation.
