CARACAS, Venezuela — President Nicolas Maduro revealed on Wednesday that Venezuela has deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S surface-to-air missiles to defend against what he called U.S. “imperialist aggression” in the Caribbean.
The announcement comes after the United States deployed nearly 10,000 troops for anti-drug operations in the region. Caracas views the move as preparation for regime change rather than law enforcement.
Venezuela on Alert
During a televised ceremony with senior military leaders, Maduro said the Igla-S missiles were placed in key air defense positions nationwide.
“We have no fewer than 5,000 in position to ensure peace,” he said. “Our forces are ready to defend every inch of the homeland.”
The Igla-S, a shoulder-fired weapon, can target low-flying aircraft. It has appeared in recent Venezuelan military exercises responding to increased U.S. activity near the country’s coastline.
Tensions with Washington
The Trump administration’s naval buildup in the Caribbean includes elite Marine and Navy units. U.S. officials say it supports counter-narcotics operations.
Venezuelan officials reject that claim. They argue the missions violate international law and threaten national sovereignty.
Maduro accused Washington of “provoking a military confrontation” and warned that Venezuela would respond decisively if attacked.
“These weapons guarantee peace and independence,” he declared. “We will never bow to foreign powers.”
Background: A Longtime Arsenal
According to Reuters, Venezuela’s stockpile of 5,000 Igla-S missiles is the largest in Latin America. The weapons were acquired through Russian arms deals under former president Hugo Chávez.
U.S. officials have long worried that the missiles could be stolen or sold on the black market. However, there is no public evidence that Venezuela has ever transferred or used the weapons outside of training exercises.
