🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Grants US Military Access to National Airfields As Rising Strains with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will permit the United States military to access its airports shortly. This move occurs amid mounting regional tensions between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. New Defense System Sparks Debate This announcement comes after the installation of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean authorities have insisted the radar's intended role is for curtailing domestic crime, stressing it will not be a launchpad for attacks against any nation. Critics and opposition figures warn, however, that the partnership might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's broader efforts against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Government Explanation In a foreign affairs statement, US use at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, enabling supply replenishment and standard troop rotations. Officials provided no further details regarding the scope. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past supported US military strikes targeting suspected drug boats in regional waters, strikes that have allegedly led to multiple fatalities, including a number of Trinidadian citizens. Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures Initially, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was carrying marines to support a civilian road construction project. However, following photographic evidence of the radar installation, she admitted that no fewer than 100 marines were on the ground in the country, accompanied by the high-performance radar. The radar, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as air surveillance, air defense, and artillery detection operations. Close Neighbors The twin-island nation is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. It has main international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. This development follows a previous incident in October, when a US naval vessel was stationed in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military pressure towards Venezuela. In related developments, US lawmakers have raised questions about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a review process.