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The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the United States military to operate from its airports in the near future. This development occurs amid mounting strained relations between the US and its neighbor Venezuela.

Radar Installation Fuels Controversy

The news follows the recent installation of a sophisticated radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean the government state the radar's sole use is for fighting domestic crime, stressing it will not be a launchpad for offensive actions against another country.

Government opponents warn, however, that these arrangements might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's intensifying efforts against Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro.

Nature of Access and Official Statements

In a ministry statement, US operations at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, assisting with supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations. The statement did not elaborate on the matter.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has in the past supported US military strikes targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, actions that have allegedly resulted in multiple deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens.

Earlier Statements and Subsequent Revelations

Initially, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was carrying marines to support a civilian road construction project. Yet, after images surfaced of the radar installation, she conceded that at least 100 marines were on the ground in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar.

The radar, thought to be a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as aerial monitoring, air defense, and counter-fire capabilities.

Close Neighbors

Trinidad and Tobago lies extremely close from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. The country has two primary airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.

This development comes after a prior event in October, when a US warship docked in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's growing military posture on Venezuela.

In related developments, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have called for a congressional review.