Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The United States is set to hold five days of military drills in Trinidad and Tobago starting Sunday, intensifying regional tensions with neighboring Venezuela. The exercises follow last month’s deployment of a US guided-missile destroyer to the Caribbean nation, which Venezuela criticized as a “military provocation.”

Details of the US-Trinidad & Tobago Military Exercises

According to the Financial Times, Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General confirmed that the United States will “intensify” its joint training exercises in the twin-island nation. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers clarified that the upcoming drills are not intended as a precursor to US military action in Venezuela.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly supported the US presence, emphasizing Trinidad and Tobago’s security partnership with Washington while maintaining a cautious stance toward Venezuela’s socialist leader, Nicolás Maduro.

The exercises will feature the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit of the US Marine Corps, currently deployed in the region to assist in countering drug trafficking. Officials stated that the drills will help local forces become familiar with US military tactics and techniques and improve domestic capabilities in addressing gang violence and drug-related crime.

Escalating US-Venezuela Tensions

The US has recently increased its military presence in the Caribbean, including the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, America’s largest naval vessel. Venezuela responded by announcing a “massive mobilization” of military personnel, weapons, and equipment, raising concerns about potential escalation.

Experts note that while the US frames its deployment as targeting illicit drug trafficking, the sheer scale of forces has prompted questions about whether the buildup signals preparation for broader military operations. The USS Gerald R. Ford represents the largest US naval presence in the Caribbean since the 1989 Panama invasion.

US-Venezuela Relations and Potential Conflict

President Donald Trump has publicly stated that he believes Maduro’s days in power are limited and has indicated that US land strikes on Venezuela could be possible. Reports suggest that Trump has been presented with multiple military options for operations inside Venezuela but has yet to make a final decision, citing caution over the potential consequences of direct intervention.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Maduro has urged restraint, emphasizing peace in messages to the United States:

“Yes peace, yes peace,” he told CNN, appealing for a de-escalation of hostilities.

Strategic Importance of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago sits just off the northern coast of Venezuela, making it a strategically important location for US regional operations. The joint drills with US forces not only enhance Trinidad and Tobago’s defensive capabilities but also serve as a signal to Venezuela regarding US preparedness and influence in the Caribbean basin.

Conclusion

The upcoming US-Trinidad & Tobago military drills underscore growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela amid heightened regional security concerns. While the exercises are officially framed as anti-drug and domestic security training, the presence of major US naval assets and the political context suggest the drills are also part of a broader strategic posture in the Caribbean. Analysts warn that miscalculations could exacerbate tensions, making the region a focal point for potential US-Venezuela conflict.