Tensions in the Caribbean have escalated as Venezuela deployed thousands of Russian-made Igla-S missiles in response to a strengthened U.S. military presence. President Nicolás Maduro announced that Venezuela possesses at least 5,000 Igla-S missiles, strategically placed in key air defense positions across the country, including remote mountains, towns, and cities.
The Igla-S, a short-range, low-altitude missile system comparable to U.S. Stinger missiles, can target drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. Maduro emphasized its portability, noting it can be operated by a single soldier, signaling a nationwide defensive strategy.
The move follows the U.S. deployment of 4,500 Marines and sailors to the Caribbean to combat drug cartels and project military power. U.S. forces have conducted lethal strikes on vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking, raising concerns among U.S. lawmakers about the legality of these operations under international law.
President Donald Trump recently authorized CIA covert actions in Venezuela and indicated potential expansion of U.S. military operations to include land-based efforts, intensifying pressure to oust Maduro.
