Trinidad and Tobago Grants US Military Use to National Airfields Amid Growing Tensions with Venezuela
Officials in Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the United States military to utilize its airports shortly. This move occurs amid increasing strained relations between the US and its neighbor Venezuela.
Radar Installation Fuels Controversy
The news follows the recent deployment of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean authorities maintain the radar's sole use is for curtailing illegal operations, asserting it is not a launchpad for offensive actions against foreign states.
Government opponents warn, however, that the partnership could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's broader efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation
As per a ministry statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, enabling stocking provisions and regular staff changes. The statement provided no further details beyond this.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously commended US airstrikes targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in regional waters, actions that have reportedly resulted in numerous deaths, among them a number of Trinidadian citizens.
Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures
Initially, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was carrying marines to help on a civilian road construction project. However, when pictures emerged of the defense system, she admitted that at least 100 marines were on the ground in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar.
The radar, believed to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for aerial monitoring, defense, and counter-fire capabilities.
Close Neighbors
Trinidad and Tobago lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. It has main international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.
This development follows a prior event in October, when a US warship docked in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military posture towards Venezuela.
Meanwhile, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a review process.
