Maduro Claims Venezuela Has 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, a development that escalates tensions with the United States. This revelation comes as President Donald Trump weighs military action inside Venezuela as part of a counter-drug campaign, intensifying the geopolitical crisis.

During a military event aired on Venezolana de Televisión, Maduro declared, “Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S and Venezuela has no less than 5,000.” These short-range missiles, capable of targeting aerial threats including drones and helicopters, are reportedly deployed throughout Venezuela’s strategic locations.

The urgency of this announcement is underscored by the U.S. deployment of 4,500 Marines to the Caribbean, aimed at enhancing operations against drug trafficking networks. Trump has previously emphasized the need for military options, stating, “We are certainly looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control.”

Lawmakers in the U.S. are scrutinizing the legality of military strikes on alleged “narco boats” in the Caribbean, and Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. This shift in strategy is part of a broader push to destabilize Maduro’s regime, which Washington has linked to drug trafficking and terrorism.

Maduro has responded assertively, mobilizing what he claims are more than 8 million militia members to counter U.S. aggression. Despite this assertion, experts have raised doubts about the actual number and training quality of these forces. “The people of Venezuela are clear, united, and aware,” Maduro stated in a recent televised address, vowing to thwart what he describes as an “open conspiracy” against the nation.

According to Rosoboronexport, the Russian company responsible for exporting Igla-S systems, these missiles can reach targets up to 6,000 meters away and at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters. While CNN has not independently verified Maduro’s missile count, the presence of Igla-S systems in Venezuela’s military arsenal is acknowledged in international military assessments.

As tensions escalate, the focus now turns to how the U.S. will respond to Maduro’s military claims. With both nations on high alert, the situation remains fluid. Analysts suggest that the coming days may reveal the true extent of U.S. military intentions in the region, as Maduro continues to fortify his defenses in anticipation of potential conflict.

Government officials from both sides are expected to make statements in the coming hours, and the international community is watching closely. The stakes could not be higher as both leaders navigate this precarious standoff.