The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced it will allow the US military access to its airports in the coming weeks. This move comes as tensions rise between the US and Venezuela. Recently, a new radar system was installed at Tobago’s airport. The government says the radar helps fight local crime and is not meant to attack any country. Critics, however, warn that Trinidad and Tobago may be drawn into US efforts against Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro. The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the US will use the airports for "activities logistical in nature, facilitating supply replenishment and routine personnel rotations." No further details were given. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised US strikes on drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific that reportedly killed at least 87 people, including some Trinidadian citizens. She initially claimed a US C-17 plane in Tobago carried marines to help with road construction. But after radar images surfaced, she admitted over 100 US marines are in the country along with a military-grade radar. This radar is believed to be the AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, a high-performance air surveillance and defence system from Northrop Grumman. Only seven miles separate Trinidad and Tobago from Venezuela at their closest point. The country has two main airports: Piarco International in Trinidad and ANR Robinson International in Tobago. In October, a US warship docked in Trinidad’s capital as part of increasing military pressure on Venezuela under US President Donald Trump. US lawmakers are questioning the legality of strikes against vessels in the region and have announced a congressional review.