Venezuela mobilizes troops against US military deployment as tensions grow

BOGOTA, Colombia

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced Thursday that the armed forces are maintaining a full deployment along the country's coastline to achieve the "optimal point" of coordination and readiness to respond to the US naval buildup in the Caribbean Sea.

He detailed the expansive military efforts, which include "reconnaissance operations on land routes, aerial surveillance, exploration and radio operations, drone surveys, and amphibious maneuvers" across the coastal regions, as broadcast by the state channel Venezolana de Television.

The announcement followed President Nicolas Maduro's warning Wednesday that Venezuela possesses "more than 5,000" Russian Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles. Maduro described the Igla-S as "one of the most powerful weapons there is," asserting that the massive stockpile is intended to guarantee "the peace, stability and tranquility" of the Venezuelan people.

"Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S, and Venezuela has no less than 5,000," he said.

He added that the country utilizes sophisticated simulation equipment to ensure the "good marksmanship for thousands of Igla-S operators" positioned across the entire national territory, which he deemed must be an "impregnable homeland."

The declaration came amid the US military deployment in the Caribbean, which Caracas views as a direct threat aimed at promoting "regime change."

Washington defends it as a counter-narcotics operation targeting alleged drug trafficking originating from the South American country -- a claim vigorously rejected by the Venezuelan government.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro weighed in on the tensions, saying Thursday that any possible US ground action on Colombian territory under the pretext of combating drug trafficking "is an invasion and a violation of national sovereignty."

Petro made the declaration when asked at a press conference about reports that US President Donald Trump had authorized ground operations in the region. The Colombian president condemned the recent US strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs, which have reportedly caused around 30 deaths.

The most recent incident occurred Wednesday, marking the first time such an attack took place in the Pacific Ocean. The Colombian Foreign Ministry condemned the maneuver in a statement issued that night, formally calling on the US government to “cease these attacks and respect the rules of international law.”