Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday (11/15) accused the government of Trinidad and Tobago of endangering the stability of the Caribbean region by allowing new military exercises to take place in a maritime area near the Venezuelan state of Sucre. The president classified the maneuvers, in which American forces participated, as “irresponsible” and “threatening.”
According to Maduro, the moves planned by the neighboring country represent an attempt at intimidation.
He added: “They intend to threaten a republic like Venezuela, which does not allow itself to be threatened by anyone.”
In response to this announcement, the president called on the residents of Venezuela’s eastern states to maintain a “permanent vigil and march with the Venezuelan flag raised,” under the pretext of defending sovereignty and regional peace.
Southern Spear
On 11/13, the Trump government announced the launch of a military operation in Latin America called Southern Spear, responsible for operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, which increased diplomatic tensions in the region.
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In recent months, a fleet of US warships, F-35 fighter jets and even the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, have been deployed to the Caribbean.
Since then, Washington has announced 19 bombings against boats sailing in the area, allegedly linked to drug smuggling, killing at least 80 people. However, no concrete evidence has been uncovered regarding the connection between the ships and the crime.
Tensions are increasing in the Caribbean
- The exercises are taking place amid a period of diplomatic tension between Caracas and Port of Spain.
- For months, the Venezuelan government has accused the United States of using joint operations to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean as a pretext to expand its military presence in the region and exert political pressure on the Chavista regime.
- As for Trinidad and Tobago, the maneuvers are part of a regular cooperation agenda aimed at combating trafficking across national borders.
- Since today
- The Caribbean country did not respond directly to Maduro’s statements, but defense authorities confirm that activities are limited to waters under Trinidad’s jurisdiction.
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Nicolas Maduro
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Maduro orders the mobilization of the armed forces
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President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
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Troubled history
The relationship between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago has been characterized by disputes over maritime borders, ship inspections and migration pressures.
The archipelago, which is home to one of the largest Venezuelan refugee communities in the Caribbean, maintains a close alignment with the United States on security issues, which does not please Caracas.
In recent years, events including the seizure of fishing boats, the expulsion of migrants, and mutual accusations of territorial violations have raised the political temperature between the two countries. The announcement of new military maneuvers adds another point of contention.
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