The Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago has granted authorisation for United States military aircraft to utilise its airports, a move that comes amidst heightened regional anxieties over potential US actions against neighbouring Venezuela. The announcement was made by the country's foreign ministry on Monday.
Strategic Approval and Stated Objectives
The Trinidad and Tobago government confirmed it has approved access for US military aircraft "in the upcoming weeks." The archipelago, which lies a mere twelve kilometres from Venezuela at its closest point, stated that Washington would use the facilities for logistical support. This includes tasks such as facilitating the replenishment of supplies and conducting routine rotations of personnel.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has openly welcomed US forces into the country. This aligns with a significant expansion of US military deployment across the Caribbean region. While US officials frame the broader operation as a mission to combat "narco-terrorists," the Trump administration has simultaneously ramped up pressure on Venezuela and its leftist leader, Nicolas Maduro. Washington does not recognise Maduro as the legitimate president.
Escalating Actions and Venezuelan Retaliation
This decision is not an isolated event but part of a series of escalating military activities. In October, a US guided missile destroyer was positioned off the coast of Trinidad for four days to conduct joint drills, well within firing range of Venezuela. Last month, a contingent of American Marines also participated in exercises within the archipelago.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar further revealed that the US has installed radar at a new airport in Tobago. The stated purpose is to monitor Venezuelan drug trafficking and oil deliveries designed to bypass international sanctions.
The situation intensified last week following the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. Caracas accused Trinidad and Tobago of participating in the "theft" of its oil. While Washington stated the action targeted Maduro's "regime," Venezuela condemned it as an act of "international piracy."
Regional Fallout and Diplomatic Strains
Venezuela's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, accused Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of pursuing a "hostile agenda towards Venezuela." In a significant retaliatory measure, Rodriguez reaffirmed that Caracas would halt natural gas exploration projects with its neighbour, signalling a major fracture in bilateral relations.
In contrast, Trinidadian Foreign Minister Sean Sobers defended the decision, stating it reflects the government's commitment "to cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region."
The seizure of the oil tanker followed a prolonged series of US military strikes targeting suspected drug boats from Venezuela. The US military footprint in the Caribbean has grown notably, with former President Donald Trump having frequently threatened intervention and even approving operations by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) concerning Venezuela.
