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The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will authorize the United States military to operate from its airports in coming weeks. This decision occurs amid heightening geopolitical friction between the US and nearby Venezuela.

Radar Installation Fuels Controversy

This announcement comes after the setup of a sophisticated radar system at an airport in Tobago. National authorities state the radar's primary purpose is for combating local criminal activity, asserting it is not a springboard for attacks against foreign states.

Critics and opposition figures warn, however, that this cooperation might entangle Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's broader efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Nature of Access and Government Explanation

As per a ministry statement, US activities at the airports would be for logistical support, enabling resupply efforts and regular staff changes. Officials did not elaborate regarding the scope.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously praised US airstrikes targeting alleged drug ships in regional waters, strikes that have reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths, including several Trinidadian citizens.

Earlier Statements and Subsequent Revelations

At first, Persad-Bissessar claimed a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was carrying marines to assist with a local road construction project. Yet, after images surfaced of the radar installation, she admitted that no fewer than 100 marines were present in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar.

This system, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as aerial monitoring, air defense, and artillery detection capabilities.

Proximity and Geography

The twin-island nation is situated extremely close from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. The country has two primary 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 naval vessel was stationed in Trinidad's capital, as part of the Trump administration's ramped-up military pressure on Venezuela.

In related developments, American legislators have raised questions about the lawfulness of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have called for a congressional review.