UPDATE: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has just announced that the country possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, positioning them in “key air defense positions.” This declaration comes amid escalating tensions as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs potential military action within Venezuela as part of a counter-drug trafficking strategy.
During a live military event broadcast by Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Maduro asserted, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S and Venezuela has no less than 5,000 of them.” These short-range, low-altitude systems are designed to target helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft, raising alarm over the military capabilities of Maduro’s regime.
The U.S. has deployed 4,500 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean region, signaling a show of force against drug cartels. The military presence aims to bolster operations against narcotics trafficking and demonstrate U.S. military readiness. Trump has previously confirmed the authorization of the CIA to conduct covert actions in Venezuela, hinting at a potential expansion of military efforts.
“We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump told reporters, indicating a shift towards direct military involvement. This move is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Maduro, whom officials have linked to drug trafficking networks designated as terror groups posing an imminent threat to U.S. national security.
Maduro has responded to these developments by mobilizing troops and declaring that the Venezuelan people are united against what he calls an “open conspiracy.” In a televised speech, he claimed the existence of “millions” of militia members ready to defend the nation, although this figure has been met with skepticism from military experts.
According to the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, the Igla-S missiles have a maximum range of 6,000 meters and can target aerial threats up to 3,500 meters in altitude. While CNN has not independently verified Maduro’s claims about the number of missiles, they have been documented as part of Venezuela’s military arsenal by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
As the situation develops, the U.S. Congress is scrutinizing the legality of recent military actions against drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. Lawmakers from both parties are questioning the ramifications of escalating military presence in the region.
The global community is urged to monitor these escalating tensions closely, as the potential for military conflict in Venezuela raises significant concerns about regional stability and humanitarian impact. The next few days could be crucial as both nations position their forces amid rising hostilities.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
