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The government of Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed it will allow the United States military to access its airports shortly. This move comes as mounting strained relations between the US and nearby Venezuela.

Radar Installation Fuels Controversy

This statement comes after the installation of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. National authorities have insisted the radar's primary purpose is for curtailing illegal operations, asserting it is not a springboard for military strikes against another country.

Critics and opposition figures caution, however, that the partnership could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's broader pressure campaign against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro.

Scope of Agreement and Official Statements

In a foreign affairs statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, enabling resupply efforts and routine personnel rotations. The statement did not elaborate on the matter.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past supported US operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in regional waters, actions that have allegedly led to numerous fatalities, among them a number of Trinidadian citizens.

Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures

Initially, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to support a civilian road construction project. However, after images surfaced of the radar installation, she conceded that no fewer than 100 marines were stationed in the country, accompanied by the high-performance radar.

This system, thought 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 is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. It 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 warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's ramped-up military posture on Venezuela.

In related developments, Congressional representatives have raised questions about the legality of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have announced a review process.