Maduro Declares Venezuela Armed with 5,000 Russian Missiles

UPDATE: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has boldly claimed that the country possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, amid escalating tensions as U.S. President Donald Trump considers military action against the Maduro regime. This urgent announcement comes as the U.S. deploys 4,500 Marines to the Caribbean, intensifying military presence in the region.

During a military event broadcast on Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Maduro stated, “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 missiles are designed to target small aerial threats, including drones and helicopters. Maduro emphasized their strategic deployment across Venezuela’s territory, asserting they are positioned “even in the last mountain, the last town, and the last city of the territory.”

The backdrop of this declaration is Trump’s renewed focus on military options in Venezuela, part of a broader counter-drug trafficking strategy. Recently, Trump confirmed he has authorized the CIA to engage in covert operations within Venezuela, stating, “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control.” This signals a potential escalation in U.S. efforts aimed at pressuring Maduro to relinquish power.

Maduro’s government has been mobilizing troops and rallying volunteer militia members, claiming to have over 8 million reservists ready to defend the nation. However, experts have expressed skepticism regarding the accuracy of these figures and the actual training levels of the troops. The Venezuelan leader asserted, “The people of Venezuela are clear, united, and aware. They have the means to once again defeat this open conspiracy against the peace and stability of Venezuela.”

The U.S. military operations have already included lethal strikes on vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking, raising legal questions among lawmakers concerning the legitimacy of these actions. As the Trump administration aims to link Maduro with drug trafficking and terrorism, the potential for direct military action looms.

According to Rosoboronexport, the Russian state company responsible for exporting Igla-S systems, these missiles can hit targets at ranges up to 6,000 meters and altitudes of up to 3,500 meters. While CNN has not independently verified Maduro’s claims about the total number of missiles, the presence of the Igla-S in Venezuela’s arsenal is documented in military analyses.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely. The stakes are high as both nations prepare for a possible confrontation. The implications of Trump’s military strategy and Maduro’s defensive posturing could reshape the geopolitical landscape in the region.

What’s next? As tensions escalate, further military mobilizations and strategic announcements from both sides are expected. The world will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for the future of Venezuela.

Stay tuned for updates on this critical situation as it continues to develop.