Trinidad and Tobago has declared it will conduct another series of military exercises with United States forces, further intensifying regional tensions with neighboring Venezuela. The announcement comes amid heightened US anti-drug operations throughout the Caribbean that have drawn sharp criticism from Caracas.
Military Drills Schedule and Details
The archipelago nation's foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that joint training exercises with the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit will run from Sunday through November 21. Officials described these activities as part of "our longstanding history of collaboration" between the two nations.
This development follows last month's controversial docking of a US guided missile destroyer in Trinidad for four days of practice drills. The vessel's positioning within firing range of Venezuela prompted Caracas to label the military presence a deliberate "provocation."
Venezuela's Strong Reaction and Regional Implications
Venezuela has responded aggressively to the growing US military presence in the region. The government of President Nicolas Maduro claims recent American military activities in Latin America represent a covert attempt to overthrow his leftist government. Washington considers Maduro an illegitimate leader and has accused him of drug trafficking.
The diplomatic fallout has been substantial. Following the arrival of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago last month, Venezuela suspended an energy agreement with the twin-island nation and declared Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar "persona non grata." Caracas additionally claims to have dismantled a CIA-financed cell that was plotting a false-flag attack against the American vessel.
Security Justifications and Broader Context
Trinidad and Tobago authorities have defended the intensified military cooperation, citing domestic security concerns. The foreign ministry stated that the nation of 1.4 million people "continues to be burdened by the scourge of gun-related crimes and gang violence". They emphasized that the exercises form part of "our coordinated strategy to ensure that our personnel are optimally trained and equipped to address these issues."
Meanwhile, the United States has significantly escalated its military deployment throughout Latin America in recent weeks. American forces have conducted strikes on 21 alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in at least 80 fatalities. The operations have drawn criticism from human rights observers who question their legality and the evidence supporting the targets.
The situation escalated further this week with the arrival of a US aircraft carrier strike group in the region, prompting Venezuela to announce a "massive" retaliatory deployment involving approximately 200,000 troops. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described the operation as targeting "narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere."
Adding another layer to the complex regional dynamics, Washington recently authorized Trinidad and Tobago to exploit the Dragon gas field in Venezuelan waters despite existing US oil and gas embargoes against Caracas. This decision has further strained relations between the neighboring countries.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed authorizing CIA operations in Venezuela and has publicly stated that Maduro's "days were numbered," though he has downplayed prospects for direct military conflict. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of heading a drug cartel and offered a $50 million reward for his capture.
Regional security experts note that Venezuela, with its outdated military equipment and organizational challenges, would face significant disadvantages in any direct military confrontation with the United States.
