An American Warship, the USS Gravely was seen docking in the capital of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, as part of a very amphibious training and bilateral cooperation with the Trinidadian military.

The stated aim appears to be tackling transnational crime and boosting regional security. The move is part of a broader US Military expansion in the Caribbean region, which also entails the nearby deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft carrier group.

The presence of the US destroyer is in such close proximity to neighboring Venezuela that it has drawn serious immediate condemnation from Caracas, which called this visit a hostile provocation for no reason.

It was also slammed as a serious threat to regional peace. Locally in Trinidad and Tobago, the docking has sparked massive protests and political concern across the board. Critics have warned that the island is being drawn into a game of great power posturing just off the coast of Venezuela.

The timing of this move also coincides with the rise in US strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in Venezuelan-linked narcotics trafficking, and the growing discussion in Washington of possible land strikes inside the country.