Venezuela is seeking military help from Russia, China and Iran — from drone technology to missile support — as it faces a rising US military buildup in the Caribbean, according to internal US documents reported by The Washington Post.
Venezuelan Transport Minister Ramón Celestino Velásquez recently coordinated a shipment of military equipment and drones from Iran while planning a visit to that country, the Washington Post reported citing the documents.
The Venezuelan minister told an Iranian official that his country was in need of “passive detection equipment,” “GPS scramblers” and “almost certainly drones with 1,000 km [600 mile] range,” the report added citing the documents.
The report does not clarify how Russia, China or Iran have responded to the outreach, nor whether any of the requested items are already en route.
However, Venezuelan officials have maintained close ties with all three countries in recent years, relying on them for economic, energy and security support as sanctions have deepened the country’s isolation from the West.
The overtures come as the United States has significantly increased its naval presence in the Caribbean, deploying ships and aircraft in what US officials say is part of counter-narcotics and security operations.
President Nicolas Maduro’s government has portrayed the buildup as a direct threat, accusing Washington of preparing for intervention and using the regional military posture to justify its push for foreign defense assistance.
The Trump administration has secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert action in Venezuela, The New York Times reported last month citing US officials.
