The United States has strengthened its security cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago following the activation of a new joint task force intended to coordinate military operations against transnational criminal networks in the Western Hemisphere.The US Embassy in Port of Spain, in a news release yesterday, said the activation of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), together with Trinidad and Tobago’s continued participation in the 18-nation Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), reflected a shared commitment to regional security and the disruption of narco-terrorist networks.US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern said Trinidad and Tobago remained an important regional partner as both countries addressed security threats. “Trinidad and Tobago remains a vital regional partner in confronting complex security challenges that threaten our shared stability,” Kern said in the release.He said cooperation through the A3C and the new task force would focus on disrupting criminal networks and protecting maritime routes in the region.“Through the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and SOUTHCOM’s new Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, we are deepening our cooperation to disrupt criminal networks, safeguard critical maritime routes, and ensure a safer, more prosperous Caribbean,” Kern added.According to the embassy, the task force was established to coordinate US military operations with Caribbean and Latin American partners, including Trinidad and Tobago. Its responsibilities include countering transnational criminal networks, improving regional maritime interdiction and responding to humanitarian crises.The embassy said the latest development formed part of a long-standing defence partnership between the two countries.US military personnel will continue to participate with Trinidad and Tobago in joint training and capacity-building exercises, as well as maritime interdiction coordination and disaster response preparedness.The embassy said the cooperation was aimed at strengthening the ability of both countries and their regional partners to respond to security and humanitarian challenges.US task force canstrengthen T&T’s fightagainst organised crimeMeanwhile, criminologist Akinee Harry said this country’s participation in the US Southern Command’s Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere could strengthen the country’s national security capabilities through improved intelligence sharing, maritime surveillance and coordination against transnational organised crime.Speaking with the Express yesterday, Harry said Trinidad and Tobago’s geographical position along major trafficking routes made closer cooperation with regional and international partners important.“Given our location along major trafficking routes, closer cooperation can improve our ability to intercept illegal firearms, narcotics, and other illicit activities before they reach our shores,” Harry said.He said participation in the task force could also provide the country’s security services with access to specialised training, technology and operational support.Harry said these resources could improve the capacity of local security agencies to detect and respond to transnational criminal activity. “This collaboration needs to have clear objectives that align with Trinidad and Tobago’s national interests,” he said.Harry said regional partnerships had become increasingly important as security threats became more transnational.He cautioned, however, that international cooperation should support rather than replace the country’s domestic security strategy and decision-making.“Regional partnerships are increasingly important in addressing modern security threats, but they should always complement our own domestic security strategy and decision-making,” Harry said.