UPDATE: In a bold claim, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated on Wednesday that Venezuela has deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles in key defense positions across the country. This announcement comes amid escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of military action as part of a counter-drug trafficking initiative.
Maduro emphasized the capabilities of the Igla-S missiles during a televised military event, asserting, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S and Venezuela has no less than 5,000 of them.” These missiles, known for their effectiveness against low-flying aerial targets, could pose a significant challenge to U.S. military operations in the region.
This revelation follows Trump’s assertion that he is considering expanding U.S. military operations in Venezuela, where he has already deployed 4,500 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean. The U.S. military has conducted several lethal strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels in the area, raising questions about the legality of these actions among lawmakers.
Trump’s administration has been strategizing potential military action against Maduro for months, linking the Venezuelan leader to drug cartels designated as terror groups. In a statement to reporters, Trump confirmed, “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control.” However, there has been no official decision to engage militarily against Maduro directly.
Maduro’s government is responding to this mounting pressure by mobilizing troops and declaring that the Venezuelan people are “clear, united, and aware” of the threats they face. He claimed in a recent speech that his volunteer militias now boast over 8 million reservists, although this figure has been met with skepticism by military experts.
According to Rosoboronexport, the Russian state company responsible for the export of the Igla-S systems, these missiles possess a range of up to 6,000 meters and can engage targets at altitudes reaching 3,500 meters. While CNN has not been able to verify Maduro’s missile count, the Igla-S has been confirmed as part of Venezuela’s military arsenal.
The situation remains fluid, with both nations poised for potential conflict. Analysts are closely monitoring Maduro’s military positioning and the U.S. response to ensure the safety and stability of the region. As developments unfold, the world watches to see how these escalating tensions will impact Venezuela and its people.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop.
