The recent arrival of a U.S. warship in Trinidad and Tobago has intensified tensions with neighboring Venezuela. The USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, docked in Port-of-Spain on October 26, 2025, as part of enhanced military operations in the region.
U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean
The docking of the USS Gravely coincides with the movement of the USS Gerald R. Ford, an aircraft carrier, toward Venezuela. This military mobilization has drawn criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who characterized it as a hostile provocation. He accused the U.S. of fostering conditions for a potential conflict.
Response from Venezuela
- The Venezuelan government described the USS Gravely’s presence as a serious threat to Caribbean peace.
- Authorities alleged that they captured a mercenary group linked to a U.S. intelligence plan for a false flag attack.
- Maduro claimed that the U.S. aims to fabricate a perpetual war with Venezuela.
Statements from U.S. Officials
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the military operation focuses on counter-drug efforts. He noted that President Trump has characterized Venezuela as primarily complicit in drug trafficking activities.
The U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago clarified that the military exercises aim to address transnational crime and strengthen regional security through collaborative training missions.
Official Cooperation and Local Sentiment
- Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly supports the U.S. military presence.
- Former officials and opposition figures in Trinidad and Tobago expressed concerns about the implications of the warship’s presence.
- Local protests have arisen, with activists urging the government to reconsider the docking of U.S. military vessels.
Potential for Escalation
Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that land strikes in Venezuela could be a ‘real possibility’ as tensions escalate. He mentioned discussions with President Trump regarding future military operations aimed at addressing drug-related violence emanating from both Venezuela and Colombia.
Critics argue that the increasing U.S. military activities disrupt regional stability. Prominent voices in Trinidad and Tobago, including political leaders, have vocalized their opposition to what they perceive as an encroachment of U.S. militarism in the Caribbean.
As U.S. military actions continue in the region, the situation remains tense. The involvement of various stakeholders hints at a complex interplay of local and international interests that may further complicate peace in the Caribbean.
