Trinidad and Tobago announced that the United States will launch a fresh round of military exercises on Sunday. The drills will continue for five days and mark a new phase of security cooperation between the two countries.

Rising Tensions Over Venezuela

This move comes soon after Washington sent a warship to Port of Spain. The deployment was part of the Trump administration’s effort to increase military pressure on Venezuela and its president, Nicolás Maduro. The USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, recently docked in the capital. It will work alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford, an aircraft carrier moving closer to Venezuelan waters.

Maduro strongly criticised the carrier’s presence. He accused the United States of trying to start “a new eternal war” against Venezuela.

Venezuela Reacts With Energy Freeze

Soon after the warship arrived, Venezuela suspended its energy cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago. Caracas said the island nation had taken “hostile” actions by allowing the US deployments.

President Donald Trump also alleged—without offering evidence—that Maduro leads the criminal group known as Tren de Aragua.

US to Intensify Military Presence

According to the Financial Times, Trinidad and Tobago’s attorney general said on Thursday that the US intends to “intensify” its military drills in the twin-island nation. The country sits only a few miles from Venezuela’s coastline, making its location strategically important.

Government Rejects Talk of US Operation

On Friday, Foreign Minister Sean Sobers rejected speculation that these exercises signal a possible US military operation in the region. He said the drills do not indicate any planned action against Venezuela.

Focus on Training and Security Cooperation

The exercises will involve the US Marine Corps’ 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, already stationed in the Caribbean. Washington says the mission aims to “disrupt illicit drug trafficking.”

Trinidad and Tobago’s government said the training will help both countries understand each other’s tactics and improve coordination. It added that US troops will also train local security forces to handle internal threats, including drug crimes and gang violence.