Caribbean Nations Offer Strategic Support to U.S. Amidst Venezuela Tensions
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Several Caribbean nations are bolstering U.S. efforts related to Venezuela, providing critical logistical and strategic support as tensions with the Nicolás Maduro regime remain high. this collaboration unfolds against a backdrop of escalating pressure, including past U.S. military actions against boats and troop mobilizations ordered by Maduro,according to The Washington Post.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has been the most vocal in his support,authorizing the operation of U.S. forces within restricted areas of the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport. The agreement, described as “technical, limited and temporary,” will facilitate the resupply and transport of military equipment, setting a “model for the region,” as stated by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Abinader justified the move as an expansion of cooperation to combat drug trafficking, which he characterized as “a real threat” requiring allies like the United States.
Trinidad and Tobago is also offering support, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressing strong backing for U.S. actions.Following an initial incident resulting in 11 fatalities, the Prime Minister declared the U.S. military should “violently annihilate them all” – a statement referring to drug traffickers. While U.S. Marines are currently operating at the Tobago airport,Persad-Bissessar has clarified that her country will not serve as a base for any war action against Venezuela,emphasizing a focus on stability and combating organized crime.
Puerto Rico, a U.S.territory,has a history of supporting U.S. military operations in the region, dating back to the Cold War. The former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, once a major naval installation, was deactivated in 2004 following protests against military exercises on the nearby island of Vieques.
Grenada is currently evaluating a U.S. request to install temporary radar equipment and technical personnel at Maurice Bishop International Airport. This decision is complicated by the ancient context of the 1983 U.S. military invasion that occurred at the same location.
These developments highlight the strategic importance of Caribbean allies to U.S. foreign policy in the region, as Washington navigates a complex situation with Venezuela.
