🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Provides US Military Access to National Airfields Amid Escalating Tensions with Venezuela Officials in Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the United States military to utilize its airports in coming weeks. This development comes as heightening regional tensions between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. New Defense System Raises Questions This announcement comes after the setup of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. National authorities state the radar's primary purpose is for combating domestic crime, emphatically denying a base for offensive actions against any nation. Skeptics warn, however, that this cooperation risks pulling Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's broader efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation According to a ministry statement, US operations at the airports would be focused on logistics, enabling stocking provisions and regular staff changes. The statement offered no specifics regarding the scope. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past praised US airstrikes targeting alleged drug ships in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have reportedly resulted in multiple fatalities, among them several Trinidadian citizens. Initial Claims and Subsequent Revelations At first, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was transporting marines to support a local road construction project. Yet, following photographic evidence of the defense system, she conceded that no fewer than 100 marines were present in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar. This system, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is described as aerial monitoring, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities. Proximity and Geography The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. It has two primary international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. The airport access agreement comes after a prior event in October, when a US naval vessel was stationed in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's growing military pressure towards Venezuela. In related developments, Congressional representatives have expressed doubts about the lawfulness of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a formal investigation.