A select group of Latin American and Caribbean nations has allowed the deployment or operational use of US forces as part of the ongoing military strategy surrounding Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, El Salvador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic are participating, with additional political backing from Ecuador, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Direct Military Cooperation
Trinidad and Tobago has emerged as the most steadfast ally, with its prime minister publicly endorsing US naval maneuvers and stating willingness to allow US military access should Venezuela launch an attack against Guyana.
In Guyana, there is a notable increase in defense cooperation with Washington, partly due to its territorial dispute with Venezuela. This includes high-level visits from the head of the US Southern Command, reinforcing military deployment in the Caribbean.
El Salvador hosts the Comalapa airbase, which has been confirmed to house at least one US AC-130J attack aircraft, serving as a strategic point for air operations linked to the regional mission.
Panama keeps a low profile but permits joint training and military cooperation under bilateral agreements, providing limited logistical support to US forces.
The Dominican Republic collaborates on counter-drug operations and surveillance missions in the Caribbean, coordinated through the US Southern Command’s “Operation Southern Spear,” in conjunction with agencies like the DEA.
Political Endorsement
Ecuador has aligned politically by labeling the so-called Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization, thus facilitating the US legal framework for actions against Venezuelan leadership.
Similarly, Paraguay has followed this stance, bolstering regional legitimacy for the operation.
Argentina also recognizes the Cartel of the Suns as an international terrorist group, interpreted as political support against Nicolás Maduro's government.
Strategic Role of Puerto Rico and Broader Context
Puerto Rico, a US territory, serves as a critical operations hub, housing F-35 fighter jets, MQ-9 drones, and thousands of military personnel, coordinating a significant portion of naval and air operations in the Caribbean against Venezuela.
The broader operation includes aircraft carriers, destroyers, and thousands of troops, forming a military presence capable of precise strikes against targets linked to the Venezuelan government or the Cartel of the Suns. Officially, this is portrayed as an “anti-narcotics” campaign.
Overall, the US operation around Venezuela reveals a fragmented landscape in the Caribbean and Latin America. Only a few governments have opened their bases, ports, or airspace to US forces, while others offer political support or remain cautiously silent. This disparity in military engagement versus regional caution suggests Washington aims to maintain a quick-strike capability over Caracas without dragging neighboring countries into open conflict, leaving Venezuela increasingly isolated yet without a clear hemispheric consensus in favor of military intervention.
Understanding US Military Involvement in Venezuela
Which countries are directly supporting US military operations against Venezuela?
Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, El Salvador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic have allowed some level of US military presence or operational use as part of the strategy surrounding Venezuela.
What is the role of Puerto Rico in US military operations against Venezuela?
Puerto Rico functions as a central hub for operations, hosting advanced military aircraft and coordinating a large portion of naval and air activities in the Caribbean against Venezuela.
How is the operation against Venezuela officially presented?
The operation is officially portrayed as a campaign against narcotics, despite the military presence being capable of precise strikes against Venezuelan government-linked targets.