🔗 Share this article The Caribbean Nation Grants US Military Use to National Airfields Amid Escalating Tensions with Venezuela Officials in Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the United States military to operate from its airports in coming weeks. This decision follows increasing regional tensions between the US and nearby Venezuela. Radar Installation Raises Questions This statement follows the recent setup of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. National officials have insisted the radar's intended role is for fighting local criminal activity, asserting it is not a springboard for offensive actions against another country. Skeptics argue, however, that these arrangements could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's intensifying pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Government Explanation According to a ministry statement, US use at the airports would be for logistical support, assisting with supply replenishment and regular staff changes. The statement did not elaborate on the matter. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past praised US airstrikes targeting alleged drug ships in regional waters, actions that have allegedly resulted in dozens of deaths, among them a number of Trinidadian citizens. Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures At first, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to support a local road construction project. However, following photographic evidence of the defense system, she admitted that no fewer than 100 marines were present in the country, along with the high-performance radar. This system, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for air surveillance, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities. Close Neighbors Trinidad and Tobago lies extremely close from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has main international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. The airport access agreement comes after a previous incident in October, when a US naval vessel docked in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's increased military pressure towards Venezuela. In related developments, American legislators have raised questions about the legality of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have announced a formal investigation.