Maduro Warns US, Says Venezuela Has 5,000 Russian Missiles Ready for Defense

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned the United States against any potential military action in the Caribbean, stating that his country possesses 5,000 Russian-made surface-to-air missiles prepared to defend against external threats. The announcement came during a televised address attended by top Venezuelan military commanders.

Maduro’s remarks follow a recent increase in US military presence in the Caribbean, where American aircraft and naval vessels have been conducting operations described by Washington as part of a counter-narcotics mission. According to US officials, the campaign targets drug trafficking routes allegedly linked to Venezuela.

Venezuela has rejected the US explanation, calling the military buildup a “pretext for regime change.” Maduro accused Washington of using anti-drug operations as a cover to prepare for actions against his government. Caracas has long maintained that such US efforts are politically motivated and designed to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty.

During his address, Maduro confirmed that the country’s defense systems include Igla-S short-range missiles supplied by Russia. “No fewer than 5,000 are positioned across key defense sites to ensure peace,” he stated. He added that thousands of trained personnel have been deployed nationwide from “north to south and east to west” to operate the systems.

Maduro underscored Venezuela’s right to self-defense, declaring that the country’s territory must remain “unassailable.” “No one should dare violate Venezuela, for we do not violate anyone,” he said, reinforcing his government’s stance that all defense measures are aimed solely at protecting national security.

The statement marks one of Maduro’s most direct warnings to Washington in recent years, amid growing US-Venezuela tensions. The presence of Russian-supplied weaponry further highlights Moscow’s continued military cooperation with Caracas, a partnership that has drawn international attention in recent months.