Dominican Republic Grants Access to Air Force Base and Airport Restricted Areas, Trinidad and Tobago Also Cedes Part of Airport to US Marines, Fighter Jets Spotted in Puerto Rico, Maduro Reaches Out to Oil-Producing Nations as China and Russia Turn Away
Tensions are escalating in the Caribbean as US President Donald Trump ramps up military presence near Venezuela and pressures on airspace closure. Some neighboring countries are allowing US military activities within their borders, bolstering US efforts.
According to the Washington Post (WP), the US has hinted at potential military actions against Venezuela, prompting a “Caribbean Alliance” of nations supporting the US. The Miami Herald reported on the 30th (local time) that President Trump issued an ultimatum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to “resign and seek exile immediately.”
The Dominican Republic, the second-largest country in the Caribbean next to Cuba, is emerging as the US’s strongest ally. President Luis Abinader has authorized the use of restricted areas at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport and has announced plans for the temporary deployment of military personnel and aircraft. This follows US Defense Secretary Pete Hege’s visit to the capital, Santo Domingo, to request cooperation.
President Abinader emphasized that “drug crimes are a real threat that transcends borders and flags” and described the US as “the most important strategic partner and ally.” Secretary Hege also assured that “this deployment is small and temporary and respects the Dominican sovereignty,” and noted it as a “model for excellent regional cooperation.”
The Dominican Republic has shown a consistently cooperative attitude toward the US, such as seizing 500 kg of cocaine through a joint operation with the US military earlier last month. When major Latin American countries issued a condemnation statement regarding US troop deployment in the Caribbean region in September, the Dominican Republic indicated “non-agreement to signing.”
Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago, located about 11 km northeast of Venezuela, is simultaneously making strong statements and cooperating with the US government. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the first female leader with a pro-US stance, expressed support for the US following the death of 11 Venezuelans due to a US military action in September, stating “all drug organizations must be eradicated.” Recently, she also announced, “US Marines are assisting with runway and road projects at Tobago Airport.”
However, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar dismissed the possibility of direct military involvement, stating, “Trinidad and Tobago will not initiate military operations nor become a US war base.”
In Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, US territories near Venezuela, US military activities are resuming. Fighter jets and transport planes have been landing at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base, closed in 2004, in eastern Puerto Rico, and new aircraft have been spotted at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands.
In contrast, Grenada is taking a somewhat cautious stance. In October, the US requested the temporary placement of radar facilities and technical personnel at Maurice Bishop International Airport, but the government avoided an immediate response, stating it was in the “technical review stage.”
Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell mentioned that “October is the most emotionally sensitive period in the country’s history,” alluding to the US invasion following the assassination of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop in October 1983.
Meanwhile, under pressure, President Maduro is seeking help from oil-producing nations, claiming that “President Trump’s goal is to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry.” As anti-US nations like China and Russia have not actively supported Venezuela, it is seen as an effort to form a new alliance front. Maduro has requested help from these countries, but both have withheld military and economic support due to reasons like economic recession and warfare.