🔗 Share this article The Caribbean Nation Grants US Military Access to National Airfields Amid Growing Strains with Venezuela The government of Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will allow the United States military to access its airports in coming weeks. This development follows heightening strained relations between the US and nearby Venezuela. Radar Installation Sparks Debate This announcement follows the recent deployment of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. National authorities state the radar's intended role is for combating illegal operations, asserting it is not a launchpad for offensive actions against any nation. Skeptics warn, however, that these arrangements could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's broader pressure campaign against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Nature of Access and Government Explanation In a foreign affairs statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, assisting with resupply efforts and regular staff changes. The government offered no specifics regarding the scope. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously commended US operations targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have reportedly resulted in numerous deaths, including a number of Trinidadian citizens. Initial Claims and Later Disclosures Initially, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was transporting marines to support a civilian road construction project. Yet, when pictures emerged of the defense system, she conceded that at least 100 marines were stationed in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar. The radar, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is used for aerial monitoring, air defense, and counter-fire operations. Proximity and Geography Trinidad and Tobago is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their closest point. It has main airports: 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 posture towards Venezuela. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the legality of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have called for a congressional review.