🔗 Share this article The Caribbean Nation Provides US Military Use to Its Airports Amid Rising Tensions with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will permit the United States military to utilize its airports in coming weeks. This decision follows heightening regional tensions between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. Radar Installation Fuels Controversy This announcement comes after the installation of a advanced radar system at an airport in Tobago. National the government state the radar's sole use is for fighting illegal operations, asserting it is not a base for attacks against another country. Critics and opposition figures argue, however, that the partnership might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's ongoing political strategy against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Official Statements In a foreign affairs statement, US operations at the airports would be for logistical support, enabling resupply efforts and routine personnel rotations. Officials did not elaborate on the matter. The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past commended US military strikes targeting alleged drug boats in regional waters, strikes that have reportedly led to numerous deaths, among them several Trinidadian citizens. Initial Claims and Later Disclosures Initially, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was transporting marines to assist with a civilian road construction project. However, after images surfaced of the radar installation, she acknowledged that no fewer than 100 marines were present in the country, along with the powerful radar. This system, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for aerial monitoring, air defense, and artillery detection operations. Proximity and Geography The twin-island nation lies extremely close 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 prior event in October, when a US naval vessel docked in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military posture against Venezuela. Meanwhile, American legislators have expressed doubts about the lawfulness of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have announced a formal investigation.