A significant development occurred on Sunday as a United States warship, the USS Gravely, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, marking a notable moment in escalating tensions surrounding Venezuela. The warship’s presence, witnessed by AFP reporters, is situated off the coast of Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago.
The arrival was officially announced by the Trinidadian government a few days prior, and the USS Gravely is expected to remain docked until Thursday. During this period, US Marines will engage in joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force, emphasizing a coordinated military effort in the region.
These exercises are part of a broader strategy implemented by the administration of President Trump, aimed at combating drug-trafficking organizations across Latin America, with a particular focus on Venezuela. The US military has claimed significant actions against narcotics smuggling operations, including the destruction of at least ten boats alleged to be involved in drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of over 40 individuals. Furthermore, President Trump has indicated the possibility of targeting land-based entities within Venezuela as part of this ongoing campaign.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been a consistent adversary of Trump, dismissed the credibility of last year’s elections, labeling them as fraudulent. He has accused the United States of seeking to undermine his government. The situation intensified recently when the Pentagon announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to the region, signaling a potential escalation in military readiness.
The cooperation between US forces and Trinidad and Tobago’s military highlights the increasing involvement of the US in the Caribbean, reflective of its strategy to counter Maduro’s government amidst rising geopolitical tensions in Latin America.
