Trinidad and Tobago Grants US Military Use to Its Airports As Rising Strains with Venezuela
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has stated it will permit the United States military to access its airports in coming weeks. This decision comes as increasing strained relations between the US and its neighbor Venezuela.
Radar Installation Raises Questions
This announcement comes after the setup of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. National authorities have insisted the radar's sole use is for curtailing illegal operations, stressing it will not be a base for attacks against any nation.
Government opponents argue, however, that this cooperation might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Scope of Agreement and Official Statements
According to a foreign affairs statement, US use at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, enabling resupply efforts and routine personnel rotations. The statement did not elaborate beyond this.
The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past commended US operations targeting suspected drug boats in regional waters, actions that have reportedly led to dozens of deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens.
Initial Claims and Later Disclosures
Initially, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was transporting marines to support a civilian road construction project. Yet, after images surfaced of the radar installation, she conceded that at least 100 marines were on the ground in the country, along with the powerful radar.
The radar, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for air surveillance, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities.
Proximity and Geography
The twin-island nation is situated 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.
This development comes after a previous incident in October, when a US naval vessel docked in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's increased military pressure against Venezuela.
In related developments, American legislators have expressed doubts about the lawfulness of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have announced a congressional review.
