US–Trinidad Military Drills Begin Amid Rising Venezuela Tensions in the Caribbean

US–Trinidad Military Drills Begin Amid Venezuela Tensions

A five-day joint military exercise between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago has commenced, signalling heightened security engagement in the Caribbean at a time of growing geopolitical friction with Venezuela . The drills come as Washington increases its naval presence near Venezuelan waters, adding strategic weight to an already sensitive regional environment.

Growing US Naval Activity Near Venezuela

The exercise follows the arrival of the USS Gravely , a guided-missile destroyer, in Port of Spain. In parallel, the USS Gerald R. Ford , the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, is moving closer to the Caribbean. Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro strongly criticised the deployments, accusing the US of attempting to provoke instability. In retaliation, Venezuela suspended its ongoing energy cooperation agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, further straining bilateral ties.

Trinidad Rejects Suggestions of Intervention

Officials in Trinidad and Tobago stressed that the drills should not be interpreted as preparation for any military action against Venezuela. The Attorney General clarified that the exercise is part of broader security cooperation, while Foreign Minister Sean Sobers dismissed claims of an impending conflict. The government emphasised that the drills focus on operational readiness and regional security, not intervention.

Role of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

The exercise will be led by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) , stationed in the Caribbean as part of long-standing counter-narcotics missions. The drills aim to enhance tactical coordination, inter-operability, and the host nation’s ability to counter organised crime and maritime threats—key concerns in the Caribbean’s strategic landscape.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Trinidad and Tobago sits only a few miles off the Venezuelan coast.

• USS Gravely and USS Gerald R. Ford form part of current US deployments.

• Venezuela suspended energy deals with Trinidad after the destroyer’s arrival.

• The 22nd MEU leads US counter-drug operations in the region.