Trinidad and Tobago and US deepen defense cooperation

The United States and Trinidad and Tobago are deepening defense cooperation through the activation of the United States Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM). This new task force aims to coordinate US military operations with Caribbean and Latin American partners to counter transnational criminal networks and strengthen regional security.

In addition to the new task force, Trinidad and Tobago continues its participation in the 18-nation Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). These collaborative efforts will focus on disrupting narco-terrorist networks, improving maritime interdiction, and enhancing disaster response preparedness.

US Embassy Port of Spain Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern stated that the cooperation aims to "disrupt criminal networks, safeguard critical maritime routes, and ensure a safer, more prosperous Caribbean." The partnership will involve joint training, capacity-building exercises, and maritime security operations between US military personnel and Trinidad and Tobago counterparts.