Venezuela’s Maduro Claims 5,000 Russian Missiles Amid US Threats

UPDATE: Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has just announced that the country possesses 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, intensifying tensions with the United States amid a potential military escalation in the region. This urgent declaration comes as US President Donald Trump considers military action to counter drug trafficking operations in Venezuela.

During a televised military event on October 18, 2023, Maduro emphasized the strategic importance of these missiles, stating, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S, and Venezuela has no less than 5,000 of them.” The short-range, low-altitude Igla-S systems can target various aerial threats, including drones and helicopters.

This development comes as the US has deployed 4,500 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean, aiming to bolster operations against drug cartels and demonstrate military readiness. The Trump administration has been under increasing scrutiny regarding the legality of its military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean.

Earlier this week, Trump confirmed that he had authorized the CIA to pursue covert actions within Venezuela, hinting at a possible expansion of military involvement. “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” he told reporters, indicating a shift in strategy.

In response to the mounting US presence, Maduro has mobilized troops and proclaimed that his volunteer militias now consist of more than 8 million reservists, a figure that has raised skepticism among experts regarding their training and capabilities. “The people of Venezuela are clear, united, and aware,” Maduro stated, vowing to resist US actions in the region.

The Russian Igla-S missiles, according to Rosoboronexport, have a range of up to 6,000 meters and can engage targets at altitudes of 3,500 meters. While CNN has not independently verified Maduro’s missile count, these systems are recognized as part of Venezuela’s military arsenal, as noted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the US and Venezuelan governments. The situation is developing rapidly, and officials on both sides are preparing for potential outcomes. The international community is urging restraint while closely monitoring military movements.

This urgent news continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds. Stay tuned for breaking developments.