Venezuela Requests Military Support from Russia, China, Iran Amid US Caribbean Deployment

Amid escalating military tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has urgently sought military aid from allies Russia, China, and Iran to bolster his country's defense capabilities. Leaked documents reveal Maduro requested missiles, radars, and repairs for Russian fighter jets, alongside electronic warfare equipment and long-range drones, through letters delivered to these nations. Russia has expressed support for Venezuela's sovereignty and indicated readiness to respond to ally requests, with a Russian cargo plane reportedly arriving in Caracas. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has intensified military presence in the Caribbean, launched strikes on drug trafficking vessels, and considered military actions targeting Venezuelan territories linked to drug gangs and the Maduro regime. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino emphasized the nation's spiritual and military resolve against what he described as North American imperialism, affirming the armed forces' readiness amid increased U.S. naval activity. These developments highlight a growing international dimension to the Caribbean crisis, with Venezuela consolidating strategic alliances in response to U.S. military pressure.