UPDATE: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Wednesday that the country possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, intensifying tensions as the United States considers military action within Venezuela. This declaration comes in response to President Donald Trump‘s recent threats regarding a heightened military presence in the Caribbean aimed at countering drug trafficking and undermining Maduro’s regime.
In a televised event with military personnel, Maduro stated, “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 missiles, known for their capability to target small aerial threats including drones and low-flying aircraft, are lightweight and can be operated by a single soldier, according to military sources.
This urgent announcement coincides with the deployment of 4,500 U.S. Marines and sailors to the Caribbean, marking a significant show of force as the U.S. conducts operations against alleged drug cartels. Recently, the U.S. has executed several strikes on vessels off the Caribbean coast, targeting boats suspected of trafficking narcotics. Lawmakers in Washington are currently scrutinizing the legality of these military operations.
Last week, Trump confirmed he had authorized the CIA to undertake covert actions in Venezuela and hinted at a potential expansion of military efforts to land operations. “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump stated during a press briefing, indicating a possible escalation in U.S. involvement.
The Trump administration has been strategizing for months to increase pressure on Maduro, linking him to drug traffickers and designating these groups as terror threats to U.S. national security. However, there remain no confirmed plans for direct military action against the Venezuelan leader at this time. Sources reveal the overarching goal is to compel Maduro to resign voluntarily, leveraged by the credible threat of military force.
In response to escalating U.S. military activities, Maduro is mobilizing troops and claims to have organized “millions” of militia members ready to defend the nation. “The people of Venezuela are clear, united, and aware,” he declared, emphasizing their readiness to counteract perceived conspiracies against their sovereignty.
Experts have expressed skepticism regarding Maduro’s claims of having over 8 million reservists and have raised concerns about the training quality of these forces. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has noted that while the Igla-S missiles are part of Venezuela’s arsenal, the exact numbers remain unverified.
According to Rosoboronexport, the Russian state firm overseeing arms exports, the Igla-S missiles can engage targets up to 6,000 meters away and can reach altitudes of 3,500 meters. As the situation develops, analysts are closely monitoring both the military developments and the impact on Venezuelan civilians caught in the crossfire.
As global attention sharpens on Venezuela, the implications of these military maneuvers could have far-reaching consequences not only for the region but potentially for international relations at large. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
Stay tuned for more breaking news and developments from Venezuela.
