🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Provides US Military Use to National Airfields As Escalating Tensions with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will authorize the United States military to utilize its airports in coming weeks. This move occurs amid mounting geopolitical friction between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. New Defense System Sparks Debate This statement follows the recent setup of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean the government state the radar's primary purpose is for fighting illegal operations, stressing it will not be a base for military strikes against another country. Government opponents warn, however, that the partnership might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's ongoing political strategy against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation According to a foreign affairs statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, facilitating stocking provisions and regular staff changes. Officials provided no further details on the matter. The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past commended US airstrikes targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have allegedly led to multiple deaths, including a number of Trinidadian citizens. Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures At first, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was transporting marines to support a civilian road construction project. Yet, when pictures emerged of the radar installation, she acknowledged that no fewer than 100 marines were on the ground in the country, along with the powerful radar. This system, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is described as air surveillance, air defense, and artillery detection capabilities. Proximity and Geography Trinidad and Tobago is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. The country has main airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. The airport access agreement follows a prior event in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's increased 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.