Maduro: We Are Ready to Counter with Thousands of Igla Surface-to-Air Missiles
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Sputnik, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated in a televised address on Thursday that Venezuela is ready to face any external threat, notably from the U.S., backed by thousands of russian-made air defense missiles.
Maduro emphasized the strength of Russia’s Igla defense systems and revealed that Venezuela has deployed more than 5,000 such missiles at key strategic locations across the country.
He said: “Every military force in the world knows the power of Igla. Venezuela has over 5,000 missiles deployed at critical air defense posts – to guarantee what? The peace, stability, and calm of our people. More than 5,000… those who understand will understand.”
The president highlighted extensive operator training using Russian simulation equipment. he added: “These simulators put us in a position where we have thousands of highly precise Igla operators-from north to south, east to west… venezuela must be an impregnable and proud homeland.”
He stressed: “No one will attack Venezuela as we do not aggress against anyone.”
Alluding implicitly to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies and American military presence in the region, Maduro warned: “No one should mess with Venezuela! We don’t pick fights with anyone!” He described these measures as essential for protecting national stability against “illegal threats,” framing them as legitimate self-defense aimed at preserving internal peace.
This statement comes amid escalating military tensions between Caracas and Washington over U.S. naval deployments in the Caribbean Sea.
