The Caribbean Nation Grants US Military Use to Its Airports Amid Rising Tensions with Venezuela
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will permit the United States military to access its airports shortly. This development occurs amid heightening regional tensions between the US and its neighbor Venezuela.
Radar Installation Raises Questions
The news follows the recent setup of a sophisticated radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean authorities state the radar's sole use is for fighting domestic crime, asserting it is not a base for offensive actions against any nation.
Skeptics warn, however, that these arrangements could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's intensifying efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Nature of Access and Official Statements
In a ministry statement, US use at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, facilitating supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations. Officials did not elaborate on the matter.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously praised US military strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have allegedly led to numerous deaths, among them several Trinidadian citizens.
Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures
Initially, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was transporting marines to assist with a civilian road construction project. However, following photographic evidence of the radar installation, she acknowledged that no fewer than 100 marines were stationed in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar.
The radar, believed to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for aerial monitoring, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities.
Proximity and Geography
Trinidad and Tobago is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has two primary airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.
This development follows a previous incident in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military pressure on Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Congressional representatives have raised questions about the lawfulness of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a formal investigation.
