🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Provides US Military Use to Its Airports As Escalating Tensions with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will authorize the United States military to utilize its airports shortly. This development occurs amid heightening strained relations between the US and nearby Venezuela. New Defense System Sparks Debate This statement comes after the deployment of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. National the government have insisted the radar's primary purpose is for fighting domestic crime, stressing it will not be a springboard for military strikes against any nation. Skeptics warn, however, that these arrangements might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation In a ministry statement, US use at the airports would be for logistical support, assisting with supply replenishment and regular staff changes. Officials offered no specifics on the matter. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously praised US airstrikes targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have allegedly led to numerous fatalities, among them several Trinidadian citizens. Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures At first, Persad-Bissessar claimed a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to help on a local road construction project. However, following photographic evidence of the radar installation, she admitted that at least 100 marines were stationed in the country, along with the powerful radar. This system, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as air surveillance, defense, and counter-fire capabilities. Close Neighbors The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has main international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. The airport access agreement follows a prior event in October, when a US naval vessel docked in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military posture towards Venezuela. In related developments, American legislators have expressed doubts about the lawfulness of the recent maritime strikes and have called for a review process.