🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Grants US Military Access to National Airfields As Growing Tensions with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the United States military to operate from its airports in the near future. This move occurs amid mounting regional tensions between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. Radar Installation Sparks Debate The news comes after the installation of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean officials state the radar's primary purpose is for curtailing domestic crime, asserting it is not a launchpad for attacks against foreign states. Skeptics warn, however, that the partnership risks pulling Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's broader efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Official Statements According to a foreign affairs statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, enabling supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations. The statement offered no specifics on the matter. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past praised US operations targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have allegedly resulted in multiple deaths, among them several Trinidadian citizens. Initial Claims and Subsequent Revelations At first, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was transporting marines to assist with a civilian road construction project. Yet, when pictures emerged of the defense system, she admitted that at least 100 marines were present in the country, along with the powerful radar. This system, believed to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as air surveillance, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities. Close Neighbors The twin-island nation lies a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. The country has main international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. The airport access agreement follows a prior event in October, when a US naval vessel was stationed in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's growing military pressure on Venezuela. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have raised questions about the legality of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have announced a congressional review.