ANKARA

Venezuela’s president said Wednesday that his country has deployed 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles across its territory, as US President Donald Trump considers possible military action inside Venezuela.

“Any military force in the world knows the power of the Igla-S, and Venezuela has no less than 5,000,” Nicolas Maduro said during a televised address to military personnel, calling the weapons vital to defending the nation’s sovereignty.

The statement comes after Trump confirmed earlier this week that he authorized the CIA to conduct operations in Venezuela. Washington has deployed naval forces near Venezuela, citing operations against drug cartels, while Caracas accuses the US of seeking regime change under the guise of “counter-narcotics” efforts.

Maduro also accused Washington of orchestrating an “open conspiracy” to destabilize his government, according to CNN. He also previously claimed Venezuela has mobilized “millions” of militia members.

The Igla-S system, comparable to the US Stinger missile, can target low-flying aircraft, drones, and helicopters at ranges up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). Independent verification of Maduro’s missile claim was not available, CNN reported.

Since last month, the US has carried out at least six strikes against vessels allegedly carrying illegal drugs in the Caribbean Sea, in international waters just off the coast of Venezuela, but has not provided evidence that the boats were actually carrying drugs.

Tensions between the Trump administration and Maduro recently escalated after the US deployed a naval group to the southern Caribbean. The US claims the force is there to combat criminal cartels and drug trafficking.

On Friday, when asked about reports that Maduro offered “everything in his country, all the natural resources” to ease tensions with the US, a claim denied by Venezuela, Trump said at the White House that Maduro had offered "everything."

"Because he doesn’t want to f**k around with the United States," Trump added.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last week that his department is forming a joint task force operating in the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility to target drug trafficking organizations.