Iran is boosting its military presence in Venezuela, with officials and military members settling in the country. Some elite members are being offered political asylum and property. This increase in presence occurs during regional conflicts in the Middle East and rising electoral tensions in Venezuela.
The ties between Iran and Venezuela have grown, with Iran establishing a drone development base at El Libertador air base. This base trains Venezuelan military personnel and develops various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), including the ZAMORA V-1, which is designed for one-way attack missions. This collaboration significantly enhances Venezuela's military capabilities with Tehran's assistance.
Iran is not only involved in drone development but is also seeking to sell drones to other nations in the region, potentially destabilizing the geopolitical environment in Latin America. Furthermore, Iran and Venezuela are working to strengthen their economic relationships. A notable activity includes using Mahan Air for direct flights between Caracas and Tehran, which have been reported to transport Venezuelan gold in exchange for Iranian oil, breaching international sanctions.
Both countries are facing domestic challenges. Iran's economy is struggling due to mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions, leading to power shortages that disrupt operations. In Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro has claimed a new term in office amidst international condemnation, as the public experiences an economic and humanitarian crisis.
Maduro's claim faces opposition from leaders like Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who argue that they won the election.
No comments:
Post a Comment