Venezuela Braces for Potential U.S. Ground Operation as Tensions Escalate
CARACAS – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has mobilized 4.5 million militia forces, preparing to defend against a potential military intervention following escalating tensions with the united States. This comes amid heightened U.S. naval activity off Venezuela’s coast,ostensibly targeting drug smuggling,which caracas and international observers have condemned as violations of international law.
Maduro has publicly warned of deploying “thousands” of Russian-made Igla-S short-range anti-aircraft missiles across Venezuela’s strategic defense areas. “All military forces in the world know the power of Igla-S, and Venezuela has more than 5 thousand of them,” maduro stated in a speech to army personnel, adding the missiles are positioned in “the most extreme mountain, the most extreme town and the most extreme city of the country.”
The deployment follows increased U.S. military operations in the Caribbean,prompting Maduro to bolster Venezuela’s military presence in the region.
The situation reflects a long-standing political crisis in Venezuela,marked by international disputes over the legitimacy of Maduro’s government and accusations of human rights abuses. The U.S. has previously recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president, and has imposed sanctions on Venezuela aimed at forcing Maduro from power.