UPDATE: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has just announced that the country possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, escalating tensions as U.S. President Donald Trump considers military action in Venezuela. This revelation comes amid a backdrop of increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, with 4,500 Marines deployed to counter drug trafficking and apply pressure on Maduro’s regime.
During a broadcast event with military personnel, Maduro boasted, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S and Venezuela has no less than 5,000 of them.” The Igla-S systems are designed to target low-flying aircraft, including cruise missiles and drones, making them vital for Venezuela’s defense strategy. Maduro claimed these missiles have been strategically placed “in the last mountain, the last town, and the last city of the territory.”
The U.S. has ramped up its military operations, conducting lethal strikes against suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. Lawmakers from both parties are scrutinizing the legality of these actions. Trump revealed he has authorized the CIA to pursue covert operations in Venezuela and is contemplating extending military efforts to land operations, a significant escalation in U.S. strategy aimed at ousting Maduro.
“We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump stated, underscoring a growing resolve within the administration. The Trump administration has been working to link Maduro to drug trafficking organizations designated as terror threats to the U.S., creating a narrative that justifies potential military intervention.
Maduro is countering this pressure by mobilizing troops and claiming his volunteer militias now number over 8 million, although these figures have been met with skepticism regarding their training and effectiveness. He asserts that the Venezuelan people are united and prepared to defend their sovereignty against what he describes as an “open conspiracy” against Venezuela.
The Russian Igla-S missiles, according to Rosoboronexport, can engage targets at a maximum altitude of 3,500 meters and have a range of 6,000 meters. While CNN has not independently verified Maduro’s missile count, the International Institute for Strategic Studies indicates that these systems are part of Venezuela’s military assets.
As this situation develops, all eyes are on both the U.S. military’s actions in the Caribbean and the Venezuelan government’s response to the escalating threats. With tensions running high, any further announcements from either side could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates are expected as military maneuvers continue. The international community is urged to stay alert as this complex situation unfolds, with potential impacts reaching far beyond the borders of Venezuela.
