On Wednesday, Venezuela's Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, issued a stern warning that his nation will retaliate if Trinidad and Tobago allows its territory to be used for launching attacks against Venezuela.
"Madam, stay sober when you hear this and look at me carefully. If anything happens to us here in Venezuela, you know what will occur, be absolutely certain of that. And we are not speaking about the people of Trinidad and Tobago," Cabello declared.
This warning comes amid escalating regional tensions due to the increased military presence of the United States in the Caribbean and its threats against the regime of Nicolas Maduro.
The situation further intensified after Trinidad and Tobago permitted U.S. military aircraft to use its airports.
During a broadcast on the state-run network Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Cabello stated that Venezuela does not seek conflict but will be compelled to respond if aggressions originate from Trinidadian soil.
Cabello claimed that Trinidad and Tobago's territory is already being utilized against Venezuela, a move he insisted does not have the support of the Trinidadian populace, with whom Venezuela has historically enjoyed peaceful relations.
The statements were made after Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, justified her nation's military cooperation with the United States, describing it as the "best defense mechanism" currently available.
Persad-Bissessar emphasized that she does not wish for conflict with Venezuela but is obligated to safeguard her citizens.
The United States maintains marines stationed on the island of Tobago, where it has also set up a radar system. Additionally, U.S. military planes have the green light to use the Caribbean nation's airports, which is a close neighbor to Venezuela.
This scenario has stirred concerns across the region. On Monday, the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Carla Barnett, called for unity among the 15 member states in the face of what she described as "unprecedented adverse geopolitical winds" impacting the region.
Barnett's call for solidarity follows a series of accusations exchanged between Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda, exposing internal divisions within Caricom regarding the stance towards the United States and Venezuela.
Key Questions on Venezuela-Trinidad and Tobago Tensions
What prompted Venezuela's warning to Trinidad and Tobago?
Venezuela issued the warning due to concerns that Trinidad and Tobago might allow its territory to be used for launching attacks against Venezuela, especially after permitting U.S. military aircraft to use its airports.
How has the United States been involved in the Caribbean region recently?
The United States has increased its military presence in the region, deploying marines on the island of Tobago and installing a radar system. U.S. military planes have also been granted authorization to use Trinidad and Tobago's airports.
What is Caricom's stance on the tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela?
Caricom's Secretary-General, Carla Barnett, has called for unity among member states to face the "unprecedented adverse geopolitical winds" affecting the region, highlighting the internal divisions regarding the stance towards the U.S. and Venezuela.