Venezuela's president claims his country holds 5,000 Russian missiles as Trump weighs military action

By Busra Nur Cakmak

Venezuela’s president said Wednesday that his country has deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles across its territory, as US President Donald Trump considers possible military action inside Venezuela.

“Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S, and Venezuela has no less than 5,000,” Nicolas Maduro said during a televised address to military personnel, calling the weapons vital to defending the nation’s sovereignty.

The statement comes after Trump confirmed earlier this week that he authorized the CIA to conduct operations in Venezuela. Washington has deployed naval forces near Venezuela, citing operations against drug cartels, while Caracas accuses the US of seeking regime change under the guise of “counter-narcotics” efforts.

Maduro accused Washington of orchestrating an “open conspiracy” to destabilize his government. He previously claimed Venezuela has mobilized “millions” of militia members, according to CNN.

The Igla-S system, comparable to the US Stinger missile, can target low-flying aircraft, drones, and helicopters at ranges up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). Independent verification of Maduro’s missile claim was not available.