Trinidad and Tobago Allows US Military Use to Its Airports As Growing Strains with Venezuela
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the United States military to access its airports shortly. This decision comes as mounting geopolitical friction between the US and nearby Venezuela.
Radar Installation Raises Questions
The news follows the recent installation of a sophisticated radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean authorities have insisted the radar's sole use is for fighting domestic crime, stressing it will not be a base for military strikes against any nation.
Critics and opposition figures warn, however, that the partnership might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's ongoing political strategy against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation
As per a foreign affairs statement, US use at the airports would be for logistical support, assisting with resupply efforts and regular staff changes. The statement did not elaborate on the matter.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously supported US operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in regional waters, actions that have allegedly resulted in numerous deaths, including a number of Trinidadian citizens.
Initial Claims and Subsequent Revelations
Initially, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to support a civilian road construction project. However, when pictures emerged of the defense system, she conceded that at least 100 marines were stationed in the country, accompanied by the high-performance radar.
This system, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for air surveillance, defense, and counter-fire operations.
Close Neighbors
The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has main airports: 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, as part of the Trump administration's ramped-up military posture towards Venezuela.
In related developments, US lawmakers have raised questions about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a formal investigation.
