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 operate from its airports in the near future. This decision follows increasing regional tensions between the US and nearby Venezuela.
New Defense System Sparks Debate
The news follows the recent installation of a advanced radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean officials have insisted the radar's sole use is for curtailing local criminal activity, asserting it is not a base for military strikes against another country.
Skeptics warn, however, that this cooperation could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's ongoing political strategy against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Scope of Agreement and Official Statements
In a foreign affairs statement, US activities at the airports would be for logistical support, facilitating stocking provisions and standard troop rotations. The statement did not elaborate beyond this.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past praised US airstrikes targeting suspected drug boats in regional waters, strikes that have allegedly led to multiple deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens.
Earlier Statements and Subsequent Revelations
Initially, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was transporting marines to support a local road construction project. Yet, following photographic evidence of the defense system, she admitted that no fewer than 100 marines were on the ground in the country, along with the powerful radar.
The radar, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for air surveillance, defense, and counter-fire operations.
Proximity and Geography
The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. The country has two primary airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.
The airport access agreement follows a previous incident in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's increased military pressure against Venezuela.
In related developments, American legislators have expressed doubts about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a review process.