The United States and Trinidad and Tobago have begun a five-day joint military exercise near Venezuela, involving the Marine Corps' 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and Trinidad and Tobago’s defense forces. The drills, confirmed by the U.S. embassy and Trinidad’s foreign minister, take place just miles from Venezuela. They come as U.S. officials discuss possible action in response to alleged narco-terrorism linked to Venezuela, with President Trump saying he is close to a decision.
US and Trinidad & Tobago Begin Five-Day Military Drills Off Venezuela Amid Reports Washington May Weigh Action
The United States and Trinidad and Tobago have begun a five-day joint military exercise near Venezuela, involving the Marine Corps' 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and Trinidad and Tobago’s defense forces. The drills, confirmed by the U.S. embassy and Trinidad’s foreign minister, take place just miles from Venezuela. They come as U.S. officials discuss possible action in response to alleged narco-terrorism linked to Venezuela, with President Trump saying he is close to a decision.
01:17 AM, 11/17/2025Conflict
US and Trinidad & Tobago Launch Joint Exercises Near Venezuela
The United States and Trinidad and Tobago began five days of coordinated military exercises on Sunday off the coast of Venezuela, the U.S. embassy in Trinidad announced. Trinidad and Tobago sits just miles from Venezuela, underscoring the regional sensitivity of the maneuvers.
The Marine Corps' 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is a principal participant in the drills, which also involve Trinidad and Tobago's defense forces, according to a U.S. embassy press release. Trinidad’s Foreign Minister Sean Sobers confirmed the training in an interview with a local newspaper.
The exercises come as the U.S. publicly discusses potential responses to what U.S. officials have described as narco-terrorism linked to Venezuela. President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that he believes he is close to deciding whether to order a strike, comments that add to regional concern.
Officials say the drills are routine training but acknowledge that they occur amid heightened political and security tensions in the region.
Trinidad and Tobago’s attorney general told the Financial Times that the United States is expected to intensify training cooperation with the twin-island republic. Media outlets reporting this story include NewsNation and Nexstar Media.
What to watch: any official updates from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. embassy in Trinidad, and Trinidad and Tobago’s government for changes in the scope or duration of the exercises.