🔗 Share this article

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the United States military to access its airports shortly. This development occurs amid heightening strained relations between the US and its neighbor Venezuela.

Radar Installation Sparks Debate

This statement comes after the setup of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean officials state the radar's sole use is for curtailing local criminal activity, emphatically denying a springboard for attacks against another country.

Government opponents caution, however, that this cooperation could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's intensifying pressure campaign against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro.

Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation

According to a foreign affairs statement, US activities at the airports would be focused on logistics, assisting with supply replenishment and standard troop rotations. The government did not elaborate beyond this.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past commended US military strikes targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, actions that have reportedly led to numerous deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens.

Earlier Statements and Subsequent Revelations

At first, Persad-Bissessar claimed a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was transporting marines to assist with a local road construction project. Yet, following photographic evidence of the defense system, she admitted that at least 100 marines were present in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar.

This system, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as air surveillance, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities.

Proximity and Geography

The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. The country has two primary international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.

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

Meanwhile, American legislators have raised questions about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have called for a congressional review.