US military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago, ‘provocation of war’, says Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has strongly criticized the five-day US military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago as ‘provocation of war’ and ‘preparation for a criminal war’. In a speech to supporters in Caracas about the exercises that began on Sunday, Maduro said, ‘Let the people of Trinidad and Tobago see if they will allow their land and sea to be used against the peace of the Caribbean region.’

Trinidad and Tobago’s attorney general previously told the Financial Times that the US would ‘intensify’ military exercises in the island nation – which Venezuela sees as a direct threat. Tensions have been rising since the US Navy sent a guided-missile destroyer to the country last month. CNN reports.

However, Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Minister Sean Sobers said the exercise was not a preparation for a military operation against Venezuela. The US side said the exercise would involve the US Marine Corps' 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit - which aims to help combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamala Prasad-Bissessar has supported the US presence, which has further increased tensions between the two countries.