🔗 Share this article The Caribbean Nation Allows US Military Use to National Airfields As Escalating Tensions with Venezuela Officials in Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will allow the United States military to operate from its airports shortly. This development follows mounting geopolitical friction between the US and nearby Venezuela. New Defense System Raises Questions This statement follows the recent deployment of a sophisticated radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean officials state the radar's intended role is for combating domestic crime, stressing it will not be a launchpad for attacks against any nation. Skeptics argue, however, that these arrangements risks pulling Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's broader political strategy against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Official Statements As per a ministry statement, US use at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, facilitating resupply efforts and regular staff changes. The statement provided no further details regarding the scope. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously supported US airstrikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have reportedly resulted in numerous deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens. Initial Claims and Subsequent Revelations Initially, Persad-Bissessar claimed a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to support a civilian road construction project. Yet, following photographic evidence of the defense system, she acknowledged that no fewer than 100 marines were stationed in the country, accompanied by the high-performance radar. This system, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for air surveillance, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities. Close Neighbors The twin-island nation is situated extremely close from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has main airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. This development comes after a previous incident in October, when a US warship docked in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's increased military posture against Venezuela. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the legality of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have called for a congressional review.