Trinidad and Tobago has authorized U.S. military aircraft to use its airports "in the coming weeks" to support logistical operations such as supply replenishment and personnel rotations. The decision — occurring as U.S. forces increase deployments in the southern Caribbean — has drawn sharp criticism from Caracas after a recent U.S. seizure of a tanker claimed to violate sanctions. Trinidadian officials say the move is aimed at boosting regional security, while Venezuela has threatened to halt joint energy cooperation.
Trinidad Grants US Military Access to Airports Near Venezuela, Prompting Strong Response From Caracas
The USS Gravely, a US Navy warship, docked in Trinidad and Tobago for four days in October, within striking distance of Venezuela (MARTIN BERNETTI)(MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/AFP)
Trinidad and Tobago announced on Monday that it has authorized United States military aircraft to use its airports "in the coming weeks," a move the government says is limited to logistical activities such as supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations.
The twin-island republic lies as close as a dozen kilometers from Venezuela at its nearest point, and the decision comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. Trinidad and Tobago has publicly aligned with U.S. efforts to apply military and economic pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's government.
What The Authorization Covers
According to the Foreign Ministry, the approval permits U.S. military aircraft to operate from Trinidadian airports to support logistics and routine rotations. Officials have framed the deployment as part of broader efforts to counter "narco-terrorists" and to improve regional surveillance and interdiction capabilities.
Recent U.S. Activity In The Region
U.S. forces have increased activity around the islands in recent months: a guided-missile destroyer docked off Trinidad for four days of joint drills in October, and a contingent of U.S. Marines participated in exercises in the archipelago last month. The United States has also installed radar equipment at a new airport on Tobago, which Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says is intended to detect Venezuelan drug trafficking and oil deliveries intended to evade sanctions.
Caracas' Reaction
Venezuela strongly condemned the authorization. Caracas accused Trinidad and Tobago of complicity after U.S. forces seized a tanker last week that Washington said violated U.S. sanctions; Venezuelan authorities called the seizure "theft" and "international piracy." Vice President Delcy Rodríguez accused Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of pursuing a "hostile agenda" toward Venezuela and said Caracas would suspend joint natural gas exploration with its neighbor.
Trinidadian Foreign Minister Sean Sobers: "This decision reflects our commitment to cooperation and collaboration in pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region."
Implications
The move tightens U.S. operational reach in the southern Caribbean and underscores the diplomatic rift between Trinidad and Venezuela. Observers say the authorization could improve regional surveillance against illicit trafficking, but it also risks escalating tensions with Caracas at a time of already strained relations between the U.S. and Venezuela.
