Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claimed on Wednesday that his country has deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles across key defense positions nationwide, amid escalating tensions with the United States over recent military activity in the Caribbean.
Speaking at a televised military event, Maduro said the portable, short-range missile systems are stationed “in the last mountain, the last town, and the last city” of Venezuela. He described the Igla-S as a weapon known worldwide for its effectiveness against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
The remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump considers expanding a counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean to include possible land-based military action in Venezuela. Washington has already deployed 4,500 Marines and sailors to the region and carried out several strikes on vessels it accuses of drug trafficking.
Trump said last week he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert actions in Venezuela and was “looking at land now” as part of broader efforts to weaken Maduro’s government.
U.S. officials have maintained that the objective is to increase pressure on Maduro to step down rather than initiate a direct conflict. Meanwhile, Maduro has responded by mobilizing troops and militias, warning against any U.S. incursion.
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