🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Grants US Military Use to Its Airports Amid Rising Tensions with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has stated it will allow the United States military to operate from its airports shortly. This move comes as mounting regional tensions between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. New Defense System Fuels Controversy The news follows the recent installation of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. National officials state the radar's intended role is for combating illegal operations, stressing it will not be a springboard for military strikes against foreign states. Government opponents argue, however, that these arrangements might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation As per a foreign affairs statement, US use at the airports would be for logistical support, enabling supply replenishment and regular staff changes. Officials did not elaborate on the matter. The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously praised US airstrikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in regional waters, actions that have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, including several Trinidadian citizens. Earlier Statements and Subsequent Revelations At first, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to help on a civilian road construction project. However, following photographic evidence of the radar installation, she admitted that at least 100 marines were present in the country, along with the powerful radar. The radar, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is described as aerial monitoring, defense, and counter-fire operations. Proximity and Geography Trinidad and Tobago is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has two primary international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. This development comes after a previous incident in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's growing military pressure on Venezuela. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the lawfulness of the recent maritime strikes and have called for a formal investigation.