UPDATE: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has just announced that the country possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, strategically positioned for air defense. This declaration comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies threats of military action against Venezuela, raising tensions in the Caribbean region.
During a broadcast event with military personnel on October 25, 2023, Maduro asserted, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S,” emphasizing that these missiles can target small aerial threats such as drones and low-flying aircraft. He claimed these systems are deployed across the nation, stating they are “even in the last mountain, the last town, and the last city of the territory.”
The U.S. has mobilized 4,500 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean as part of a broader military strategy aimed at combating drug trafficking and demonstrating military strength. Recent U.S. operations have reportedly involved lethal strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the legality of these actions.
Trump has indicated he is considering expanding military operations into Venezuela as part of an effort to undermine Maduro, a long-standing adversary of the U.S. “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” Trump stated earlier today.
This escalation follows months of U.S. preparations for potential military intervention, linking Maduro to drug cartels designated as terror groups threatening U.S. security. However, sources suggest the primary aim is to pressure Maduro to resign voluntarily, using the credible threat of military action as leverage.
In response to U.S. activities, Maduro has been mobilizing troops and “millions” of militia members, asserting that the Venezuelan people are united against what he calls an external conspiracy to destabilize the nation. He claimed, “The people of Venezuela are clear, united, and aware,” during a recent televised speech.
While Maduro’s claims of militia strength—reportedly over 8 million reservists—have been met with skepticism regarding training and readiness, the situation remains tense. The Russian state company Rosoboronexport describes the Igla-S missiles as having a range of up to 6,000 meters and capable of reaching targets at altitudes up to 3,500 meters.
As the international community watches closely, the situation in Venezuela is rapidly evolving. Expectations for U.S. military actions are high, while Maduro’s government continues to assert its military capabilities. The coming days are critical as both sides prepare for potential conflict.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
