Why it matters:
The military exercises are raising tensions between Venezuela and one of its closest neighbors, at a time when U.S. military activity in the Caribbean is already heightening regional sensitivities.
The big picture:
Trinidad and Tobago has scheduled joint military exercises in coastal waters near Venezuela’s Sucre state from Nov. 17–20. The drills coincide with a broader U.S.-led security push in the Caribbean, which Washington claims targets drug trafficking. Maduro, however, argues these operations are part of a covert strategy to undermine his government.
What he's saying:
Maduro accused Trinidad and Tobago of permitting its waters to be used for drills meant to intimidate Venezuela. Speaking at a public gathering, he said the government in Port of Spain had “once again announced irresponsible exercises” on Venezuela’s doorstep.
He warned that the people of Trinidad and Tobago would have to decide “whether they will continue allowing their waters and territory to be used to threaten Caribbean peace.”
Key points:
- Trinidad and Tobago plans military drills Nov. 17–20 near Venezuela’s Sucre state.
- Maduro denounces the drills as a threat to regional peace.
- He alleges that the exercises are intended to intimidate Venezuela.
- The drills occur amid extensive U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean.
- Washington frames its operations as anti–drug trafficking; Maduro says they aim to topple his government.
Go deeper:
Venezuelan President Signs Comprehensive Defense Commands
Maduro Issues a Stark Ultimatum to U.S.
M.Majdi - M.a.Mahmoudi
