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Officials in Trinidad and Tobago has stated it will authorize the United States military to access its airports shortly. This development comes as heightening strained relations between the US and nearby Venezuela.

Radar Installation Fuels Controversy

The news follows the recent deployment of a advanced radar system at an airport in Tobago. National officials have insisted the radar's sole use is for curtailing illegal operations, asserting it is not a base for military strikes against any nation.

Government opponents caution, however, that this cooperation could draw Trinidad and Tobago into former President Donald Trump's ongoing political strategy against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Nature of Access and Official Statements

As per a ministry statement, US operations at the airports would be for logistical support, assisting with resupply efforts and regular staff changes. The government offered no specifics on the matter.

The nation's leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has previously supported US airstrikes targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, actions that have reportedly led to multiple fatalities, including several Trinidadian citizens.

Initial Claims and Subsequent Revelations

At first, Persad-Bissessar said a US C-17 aircraft arriving in Tobago was carrying marines to help on a local road construction project. However, when pictures emerged of the defense system, she conceded that no fewer than 100 marines were on the ground in the country, accompanied by the powerful radar.

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

Proximity and Geography

Trinidad and Tobago lies extremely close from Venezuela at their narrowest separation. The country has main international gateways: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago.

This development 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 against Venezuela.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers have expressed doubts about the legality of the aforementioned maritime strikes and have called for a formal investigation.