Maduro Claims Venezuela Armed with 5,000 Russian Missiles Amid US Threats

UPDATE: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has just announced that the country possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, intensifying tensions as the United States weighs military action against the Maduro regime. This alarming declaration comes amid a significant military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean, with 4,500 Marines deployed to counter drug trafficking and exert military pressure.

During a broadcast event with military personnel on October 25, 2023, Maduro declared, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S and Venezuela has no less than 5,000.” The Igla-S missiles are capable of targeting small aerial threats, including drones and helicopters. Maduro emphasized that these weapons have been positioned “even in the last mountain, the last town, and the last city of the territory.”

The U.S. military presence in the Caribbean aims to enhance operations against drug cartels and showcase military readiness. Recently, U.S. forces have conducted lethal operations against vessels allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. Lawmakers in Washington are already questioning the legality of these actions.

“We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” President Donald Trump stated last week, revealing that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.

This marked escalation aligns with the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to destabilize Maduro, whom officials have linked to terrorist organizations involved in drug trafficking. However, U.S. officials indicate that the ultimate goal remains to pressure Maduro into resigning voluntarily rather than launching direct military action.

In response, Maduro has mobilized troops and claimed to have over 8 million militia members ready to defend the nation. Nevertheless, experts question the accuracy of this figure, particularly regarding the training and readiness of these forces.

The Igla-S missiles, as highlighted by Rosoboronexport, the Russian state arms corporation, can engage targets up to 6,000 meters away and at altitudes of 3,500 meters. Reports suggest that while Maduro’s claims about the number of missiles remain unverified, the Igla-S systems are indeed part of Venezuela’s military capabilities, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

As the situation develops, the world watches closely. Maduro insists that the Venezuelan people are “clear, united, and aware” of the threats they face, asserting their readiness to confront what he describes as an “open conspiracy against the peace and stability of Venezuela.”

With potential military action looming, the coming days will be critical. Will the U.S. escalate its involvement, or will international diplomacy prevail? Stay tuned for the latest updates on this evolving crisis.