Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced that his country possesses 5,000 Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles, asserting that the weapons are ready to counter any military threat from the United States.
Speaking during a televised military event in Caracas, Maduro revealed that the missiles, known as Igla-S systems, have been strategically deployed across the country’s air defense positions to ensure national protection.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States following Washington’s deployment of stealth warplanes and naval ships in the Caribbean. The US government described the operation as a counter-narcotics mission, but officials in Caracas have denounced it as a provocation and a possible attempt to destabilize Maduro’s administration. “These weapons are positioned to defend our sovereignty and guarantee peace,” the Venezuelan leader said.
Maduro emphasized that Venezuela’s defense strategy is built on partnerships with allies like Russia, which has supplied advanced military equipment to Caracas for over a decade. He added that Venezuela will continue to strengthen its military capabilities to resist what he described as “foreign interference” and “imperialist aggression.” The president’s comments followed reports that US forces recently destroyed several vessels accused of smuggling drugs from South America to North America.
According to reports, the Igla-S missiles are short-range, man-portable air defense systems capable of targeting low-flying aircraft. The weapons have reportedly been used in military exercises ordered by Maduro as part of efforts to demonstrate Venezuela’s readiness for any external threat. Regional observers say the move highlights growing geopolitical tensions in Latin America, where several nations have criticized US military activities near Venezuelan waters.
The US, however, maintains that its operations in the Caribbean are aimed solely at combating international drug trafficking networks. The Pentagon told Congress that Washington is “engaged in armed conflict” with drug cartels and considers them a security threat. Meanwhile, Colombia recently recalled its ambassador to Washington amid a diplomatic spat between President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump over the military buildup in the region.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Maduro insisted that Venezuela’s goal remains peace and sovereignty, not confrontation. “Our missiles are not for aggression but for defense,” he stated, adding that his government will continue to monitor US activities closely. Analysts believe the announcement serves both as a deterrent message to Washington and a show of strength to domestic supporters amid ongoing economic challenges.