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The government of Trinidad and Tobago has stated it will authorize the United States military to operate from its airports in coming weeks. This decision comes as heightening regional tensions between the US and nearby Venezuela.

Radar Installation Sparks Debate

This statement comes after the installation of a military-grade radar system at an airport in Tobago. Caribbean authorities have insisted the radar's primary purpose is for curtailing local criminal activity, emphatically denying a base for attacks against foreign states.

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

Nature of Access and Official Statements

In a ministry statement, US activities at the airports would be “logistical in nature”, assisting with stocking provisions and standard troop rotations. The government offered no specifics on the matter.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously supported US operations targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, actions that have reportedly led to numerous deaths, including a number of Trinidadian citizens.

Initial Claims and Later Disclosures

Initially, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was carrying marines to support a local road construction project. Yet, following photographic evidence of the radar installation, she conceded that at least 100 marines were present in the country, along with the powerful radar.

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

Close Neighbors

Trinidad and Tobago is situated extremely close from Venezuela at their closest point. It has two primary international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.

This development follows a previous incident in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's ramped-up military pressure towards Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Congressional representatives have expressed doubts about the legality of the recent maritime strikes and have announced a review process.