November 16, 2025
BREAKING: Maduro Condemns US-Trinidad Military Drills, Warns of Regional Instability
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has issued a stern warning to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), denouncing upcoming joint military exercises with the United States as a direct threat to Caribbean peace and sovereignty.
Speaking Saturday at a Socialist Party (PSUV) event in Petare, Miranda state, Maduro accused the Trinidad's government of hosting “irresponsible military exercises” in waters near Venezuela’s Sucre state. The drills, scheduled for November 16–21, will involve the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and T&T’s Defence Force.
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago will see if they continue to tolerate the use of their waters and land to seriously threaten the peace of the Caribbean,” Maduro declared.
He called for mass mobilization across eastern Venezuelan states—including Bolívar, Monagas, Sucre, Anzoátegui, and Nueva Esparta—to resist what he described as imperialist aggression. “Out with imperialist ships, out with military threats! Venezuela demands respect!” he said.
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Maduro further accused the US of seeking to plunder Venezuela’s oil and gas resources, framing the drills as part of a broader geopolitical strategy. “They want to steal our oil. Are we going to let them?” he asked.
The escalation comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Venezuela and T&T. Caracas recently declared T&T’s Prime Minister persona non grata and suspended all energy negotiations with Port-of-Spain.
T&T’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, confirmed the arrival of US forces on Friday, emphasizing regional cooperation and training. However, Maduro’s fiery response signals rising tensions and potential fallout across the Caribbean.
