Tensions between the US and Venezuela: Trinidad, Tobago permits US military planes to use its airports

Tensions between the US and Venezuela : Trinidad and Tobago confirmed Monday that it had granted permission for US military aircraft to use its airports, amid rising concerns that Washington is planning an attack on neighboring Venezuela.

Trinidad and Tobago, which is only a dozen kilometers from Venezuela at its closest point, strongly supports President Donald Trump’s campaign of military and economic pressure on Caracas.

Trinidad’s foreign ministry claimed it had approved US military aircraft to use its airports “in the coming weeks.”

The ministry stated that Washington would utilize them for “logistical” tasks, such as “facilitating supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations.”

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has opened her country to US forces as the US prepares a significant military deployment in the Caribbean.

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Tensions between the US and Venezuela : US authorities claim

US authorities claim the operation is intended to combat “narco-terrorists,” but the Trump administration is putting more pressure on Venezuela and its leftist strongman Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington does not recognize as the legitimate president.

In October, a US guided missile warship moored off the island of Trinidad for four days of joint drills, bringing it within shooting range of Venezuela.

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Last month, US Marines participated in training in the archipelago.

The United States has also deployed radar at a new airport on the island of Tobago, which Persad-Bissessar claims is intended to monitor Venezuelan drug trafficking and sanctions-busting oil exports.

Caracas accused Trinidad and Tobago on Monday of taking part in the “theft” of Venezuelan oil last week after US forces seized a tanker that they claimed violated US sanctions.

Washington said the measure was against Maduro’s “regime,” while Caracas condemned it as “international piracy.”

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez accused Persad-Bissessar of having a “hostile agenda against Venezuela” and underlined that Caracas would suspend natural gas exploration with its neighbor.

According to Trinidadian Foreign Minister Sean Sobers, the move is part of the government’s commitment “to cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region.”