Venezuela readies for conflict: 5,000 Russian missiles deployed after Trump's warning
Photo: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (Getty Images)
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced that the country has deployed around 5,000 Russian man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) "in key air defense positions", AFP reports.
According to Maduro, the move aims to strengthen national security amid the deployment of US forces in the Caribbean.
The Venezuelan leader stressed that the country's army is on full combat alert and its air defense system is ready to repel any threats.
"Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S. Venezuela has no fewer than 5,000 of them," Maduro said.
His statement came amid remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting possible military action in Venezuela as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Russian Igla-S MANPADS
The Igla-S systems are capable of targeting small aerial objects such as cruise missiles, drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. The maximum range is up to 6 km, with an engagement altitude of up to 3.5 km.
Rising US-Venezuela tensions
Donald Trump has halted attempts to normalize relations with Venezuela, instructing his special envoy Richard Grenell to suspend all diplomatic efforts and contacts.
Since early September, US Navy ships have repeatedly sunk vessels in international waters linked to drug cartels. During the latest operation, Trump announced on September 19 that three "narco-terrorists" had been eliminated.
At the same time, the US deployed a naval group near Venezuela's coast under the pretext of combating drug trafficking and moved fighter jets to its overseas territory of Puerto Rico. These actions fueled speculation that Washington might be preparing a military strike against Venezuela.
Maduro earlier signed a decree granting him additional powers to mobilize security forces in the event of a possible US invasion.
Earlier reports indicated that the US could begin strikes on Venezuelan drug cartels.
