🔗 Share this article Trinidad and Tobago Provides US Military Access to National Airfields Amid Escalating Strains with Venezuela Officials in Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will authorize the United States military to access its airports in coming weeks. This decision comes as mounting strained relations between the US and its neighbor Venezuela. Radar Installation Raises Questions This statement comes after the setup of a sophisticated radar system at an airport in Tobago. National the government state the radar's primary purpose is for fighting local criminal activity, emphatically denying a springboard for offensive actions against another country. Government opponents warn, however, that the partnership might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's ongoing political strategy against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Government Explanation According to a ministry statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, assisting with supply replenishment and regular staff changes. The statement offered no specifics beyond this. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past praised US operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, actions that have allegedly led to numerous deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens. Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures 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. However, following photographic evidence of the radar installation, she admitted that at least 100 marines were stationed in the country, along with the powerful radar. This system, believed to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as aerial monitoring, air defense, and artillery detection capabilities. Close Neighbors The twin-island nation is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. The country 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 docked in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military pressure on Venezuela. Meanwhile, American legislators have expressed doubts about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a congressional review.