In a significant escalation of its Caribbean strategy, the US is holding new military drills in Trinidad and Tobago amid tensions with Venezuela. The deployment underscores growing concern in Washington about regional security and illicit trafficking, while Caracas is watching closely.
A U.S. guided‑missile destroyer recently docked in Port of Spain, signaling the start of multi-day joint exercises between U.S. forces and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. On board are elements of the 22nd U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit, engaged in infantry tactics, medical training, logistical coordination, and other operational drills. U.S. officials describe the exercises as a means to strengthen shared security objectives, including counter-narcotics efforts and regional resilience.
Trinidad and Tobago is situated just 11 to 15 kilometers from the Venezuelan coast. This geographic closeness places U.S. military assets extremely near Venezuelan waters, a fact that Caracas has viewed as threatening. Venezuelan officials have publicly condemned the drills, framing them as potential provocations and accusing the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating on covert operations. In response, Caracas has suspended certain energy agreements with its neighbor, citing what it calls hostile actions.
From Washington’s standpoint, the drills are not intended to threaten Venezuela but to counter illicit networks and bolster regional security. The deployment of advanced assets, including naval vessels and specialized Marines, aligns with broader U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean. For Trinidad and Tobago, the exercises offer practical benefits, including enhanced tactical readiness, opportunities for knowledge exchange, and closer coordination with one of its most powerful international partners.
Venezuela has framed the U.S. presence as a provocation, warning of potential threats and questioning the motives behind the drills. Venezuelan leadership has raised concerns about security and regional stability, citing suspicions of covert operations originating from Trinidad and Tobago. At the same time, voices within Trinidad and Tobago have expressed unease over the scale of the U.S. presence so close to Venezuelan territory. Government officials defend the exercises, emphasizing that such joint operations are routine, long-planned activities aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and readiness.
The drills send a clear message to Caracas about the U.S. commitment to maintaining a presence in the Caribbean. Beyond signaling deterrence, the exercises strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s defense capabilities and foster collaboration between regional partners. However, the proximity to Venezuela and the heightened rhetoric from Caracas illustrate the delicate balance of power in the region. Maintaining this balance while enhancing regional cooperation remains a central challenge for all parties involved.
The US to hold new military drills in Trinidad and Tobago amid tensions with Venezuela is more than a routine training exercise. It reflects a strategic effort to enhance regional security, counter illicit trafficking, and demonstrate a firm stance to Venezuela. While the exercises strengthen alliances and build readiness, the heightened tensions also serve as a reminder of how quickly regional stability can be tested.
