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The government of Trinidad and Tobago has stated it will permit the United States military to operate from its airports shortly. This decision comes as mounting geopolitical friction between the US and nearby Venezuela.

Radar Installation Raises Questions

This announcement follows the recent deployment of a advanced radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean officials maintain the radar's primary purpose is for combating domestic crime, emphatically denying a springboard for attacks against any nation.

Critics and opposition figures argue, however, that the partnership might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's broader efforts against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro.

Scope of Agreement and Official Statements

According to a ministry statement, US activities at the airports would be for logistical support, facilitating supply replenishment and standard troop rotations. Officials offered no specifics regarding the scope.

The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously supported US airstrikes targeting suspected drug ships in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have reportedly led to dozens of deaths, among them a number of Trinidadian citizens.

Earlier Statements and Subsequent Revelations

At first, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to assist with a local road construction project. Yet, when pictures emerged of the defense system, she conceded that at least 100 marines were on the ground 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 capabilities.

Close Neighbors

The twin-island nation is situated a mere seven miles from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. It has two primary international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.

The airport access agreement follows a previous incident in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's increased military posture towards Venezuela.

Meanwhile, American legislators have raised questions about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have called for a review process.