UPDATE: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared that the nation possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, amid escalating tensions with the United States. This announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs military options in Venezuela, part of a broader campaign against drug trafficking and to undermine Maduro’s regime.
During a military event broadcast on Venezolana de Televisión, Maduro boasted about the capabilities of the Igla-S missiles, stating, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S, and Venezuela has no less than 5,000.” These short-range, low-altitude systems are designed to target aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
The U.S. has recently deployed 4,500 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean, reinforcing operations against drug cartels and showcasing military strength. This move follows a series of lethal strikes on vessels allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. Bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. have raised concerns over the legality of these operations.
Trump has indicated he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert actions within Venezuela, hinting at potential military expansion on land. “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump stated, as the administration intensifies its pressure on Maduro to resign.
The groundwork for military intervention in Venezuela has been laid over several months, with the U.S. linking Maduro to drug trafficking organizations labeled as terror groups. However, there is no confirmation that Trump has made a definitive decision to act against Maduro directly.
In response, Maduro has mobilized troops and reported the existence of over 8 million militia members, though experts question the validity of these figures and the training quality of the troops. “The people of Venezuela are clear, united, and aware,” he asserted in a recent televised address, emphasizing their readiness to counter what he termed an open conspiracy against Venezuela’s peace.
The Igla-S missiles, with a range of up to 6,000 meters and a ceiling of 3,500 meters, are part of Venezuela’s military arsenal, as acknowledged by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The Russian state company Rosoboronexport has supplied these systems, which have been observed in various military displays in Caracas.
As tensions mount, the situation remains fluid, with potential military actions looming. Both the U.S. and Venezuelan governments are poised for further developments, keeping global observers on high alert. The international community is urged to watch closely as these events unfold, impacting not only regional stability but also broader geopolitical dynamics.
