Venezuela Deployed Russian Buk-M2E Air Defense Systems Amid US Bomber Flights

Venezuela has deployed additional air defense systems, including Russian Buk-M2E air defense systems, amid demonstration flights by US bombers off the country’s coast.

This was reported by Clash Report.

Additional anti-aircraft missile systems have been deployed in the coastal city of La Guaira, north of Caracas.

The published photos show a self-propelled launcher of the Buk-M2E air defense system, which was previously purchased from Russia.

In addition, the air defense system’s position on the coast is covered by at least one 23-mm twin anti-aircraft gun ZU-23-2.

On the eve of the exercises, US strategic aviation conducted demonstration maneuvers similar to launches near Venezuelan airspace.

B-1 Lancer strategic missile bombers took part in the exercises.

At the same time, a special US Air Force Bombardier E-11A aircraft, an airborne command and control center, was spotted near the borders of Venezuela.

A Lockheed WC-130J aircraft, which conducts meteorological reconnaissance, was also patrolling the same area.

The purpose of these maneuvers has not been officially disclosed. However, it is quite possible that they may be part of Washington’s military and political pressure on Caracas.

At the same time, President Nicolas Maduro said that Venezuela has 5,000 Russian Igla-S MANPADS in “key air defense positions” amid tensions with the US over the deployment of American military forces in the Caribbean.

US President Donald Trump said that after strikes on drug ships near Venezuela, the fight against drug trafficking could be moved to land.