🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Provides US Military Use to National Airfields As Growing Strains with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will authorize the United States military to operate from its airports in coming weeks. This move follows mounting geopolitical friction between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. Radar Installation Sparks Debate This announcement comes after the installation of a advanced radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean officials have insisted the radar's primary purpose is for fighting illegal operations, stressing it will not be a springboard for attacks against another country. Skeptics caution, however, that these arrangements risks pulling Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's ongoing political strategy against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Government Explanation According to a foreign affairs statement, US use at the airports would be for logistical support, assisting with stocking provisions and regular staff changes. The statement provided no further details regarding the scope. The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past commended US airstrikes targeting alleged drug ships in the Caribbean and Pacific, actions that have allegedly led to numerous deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens. Initial Claims and Later Disclosures Initially, Persad-Bissessar claimed a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to assist with a local road construction project. However, following photographic evidence of the radar installation, she conceded that no fewer than 100 marines were present in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar. The radar, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for air surveillance, air defense, and counter-fire operations. Close Neighbors The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. It 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 docked in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's ramped-up military posture on Venezuela. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the lawfulness of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have announced a formal investigation.