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The government of Trinidad and Tobago has stated it will permit the United States military to access its airports in coming weeks. This development occurs amid increasing geopolitical friction between the US and nearby Venezuela.

Radar Installation Fuels Controversy

The news comes after the setup of a sophisticated radar system at an airport in Tobago. National authorities maintain the radar's intended role is for curtailing illegal operations, asserting it is not a base for offensive actions against another country.

Critics and opposition figures warn, however, that these arrangements could draw Trinidad and Tobago into ex-President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Scope of Agreement and Government Explanation

In a foreign affairs statement, US use at the airports would be focused on logistics, facilitating resupply efforts and regular staff changes. Officials did not elaborate beyond this.

The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously supported US airstrikes targeting alleged drug ships in the Caribbean and Pacific, strikes that have allegedly resulted in dozens of fatalities, including a number of Trinidadian citizens.

Earlier Statements and Later Disclosures

At first, Persad-Bissessar stated a US C-17 aircraft that landed in Tobago was transporting marines to support a local road construction project. However, when pictures emerged of the defense system, she acknowledged that at least 100 marines were on the ground in the country, accompanied by the high-performance radar.

The radar, identified as a long-range AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, is marketed as air surveillance, air defense, and artillery detection capabilities.

Proximity and Geography

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

This development follows a prior event in October, when a US warship was stationed in Trinidad's capital, signaling the Trump administration's growing military posture against Venezuela.

In related developments, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the lawfulness of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have called for a review process.