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How Venezuela’s aging Soviet-era military stacks up against US forces in the Caribbean
- The United States deployed a carrier strike group to the Caribbean, massing roughly 15,000 U.S. personnel and over a dozen warships, including an attack submarine and 10 F-35 jets in Puerto Rico.
- Under Hugo Chávez, former president of Venezuela, sustained Russian purchases in recent years built the FANB's Soviet-era arsenal, including Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, T-72 battle tanks and Soviet-era air-defense systems.
- Analysts say the FANB's operational capability is low after years of underinvestment, and partly because of economic collapse, about 7.9 million Venezuelans have left, depleting recruiting pools, the International Institute for Strategic Studies reported recently.
- President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly played up the Bolivarian Militia, claiming to activate 4.5 million militiamen in August and later 8.2 million, but experts say most are inexperienced and opaque.
- Speculation is growing that both sides may be positioning for a larger conflict, as regional defense experts say Venezuela's air-defense networks would be early targets despite US claims of combating drug trafficking.
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After attacks on alleged drug smugglers boats in the Caribbean, Pentagon chief Hegseth announced a military operation.
·Germany
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Concerns growing after 20th US strike on alleged Venezuelan drug boats
The Venezuelan army is vowing to defend the nation as a 100 thousand tonne US warship is stationed in its waters. The aircraft carrier’s deployment follows the US defence secretary announcing a new operation to counter drug trafficking in the western hemisphere. But there’s concern about the legality of the US operations, and the truth of their allegations.
·Sydney, Australia
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Total News Sources89
Leaning Left12Leaning Right15Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Right
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Right
37% Right
L 29%
C 34%
R 37%
Factuality
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