CARACAS, Venezuela — In a bold move to counter escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Wednesday that the nation has acquired 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S man-portable surface-to-air missiles. These short-range missiles, designed to target low-flying aircraft, have been strategically positioned across key air defense locations to ensure national security and peace, Maduro stated during a televised ceremony with senior military officials.
The announcement comes in response to the US military’s recent deployment of stealth warplanes and Navy ships in the Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of counter-narcotics operations. However, Venezuela views these actions as a prelude to a potential operation aimed at ousting Maduro, whom the US accuses of leading a drug cartel. The US has already destroyed at least eight vessels allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela to the United States.
The Igla-S missiles have been integrated into military exercises ordered by Maduro, reflecting Venezuela’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. This development has further inflamed regional tensions, with Latin American leaders expressing outrage over the US military presence. The Pentagon has labeled Latin American drug cartels as terrorist groups and described suspected smugglers as ‘unlawful combatants,’ justifying its aggressive stance.
Meanwhile, diplomatic relations between Colombia and the US have soured, with Colombia recalling its ambassador to Washington following a heated exchange between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump. Trump defended the US deployment, claiming it has significantly reduced drug trafficking by sea and is prepared to extend operations to land-based traffickers.
Experts warn that the US’s summary killings of suspected traffickers, even if confirmed, may violate international law. As tensions continue to rise, the region braces for further geopolitical instability.