US Warship Docks Trinidad, Amplifies Venezuela Pressure Amid Maduro Criticism

A U.S. guided missile destroyer, the USS Gravely, docked in Trinidad and Tobago's capital as part of the Trump administration's increased military pressure on Venezuela and its President Nicolás Maduro. This deployment complements the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuelan waters, prompting Maduro to accuse the U.S. of attempting to provoke a "new eternal war" against his country. The warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday to conduct joint training exercises aimed at addressing shared threats like transnational crime, with support from Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. However, the presence of the warship has sparked protests from local groups, including the Movement for Social Justice, who warn it increases regional conflict risks. The U.S. Embassy had recently warned Americans to avoid embassy facilities due to security threats, adding tension to the situation. Caribbean regional organizations like Caricom have called for dialogue and restraint amid these developments.