He outlined extensive military operations involving “reconnaissance on land routes, aerial surveillance, exploration and radio operations, drone surveys, and amphibious maneuvers,” according to the state broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión.
The statement followed President Nicolas Maduro’s remarks a day earlier that Venezuela holds “more than 5,000” Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles. Maduro called the weapon “one of the most powerful there is,” saying the arsenal ensures the “peace, stability, and tranquility” of the nation.
“Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S, and Venezuela has no less than 5,000,” he said.
Maduro added that Venezuela uses advanced simulators to maintain “good marksmanship for thousands of Igla-S operators” nationwide, calling for an “impregnable homeland.”
The declaration came as the US deployed forces in the Caribbean in what Washington describes as a counter-narcotics operation aimed at drug trafficking from South America — a claim Venezuela rejects, calling it a cover for “regime change.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also commented on the rising tensions, warning Thursday that any US ground action on Colombian soil under the pretext of anti-drug operations “is an invasion and a violation of national sovereignty.”
Petro made the statement during a press conference after reports that then-US President Donald Trump had authorized ground operations in the region. He condemned recent US strikes on vessels accused of transporting drugs, which have reportedly caused about 30 deaths.
The latest incident occurred Wednesday, marking the first such attack in the Pacific Ocean. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry denounced the move that night, urging the US to “cease these attacks and respect the rules of international law.”