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Venezuela: missile tests pending Iranian oil tankers

2020-05-22T02:41:00.878Z


Venezuela tested missiles on an island on Thursday, President Nicolas Maduro announced, pending the arrival of Iranian oil tankers who are supposed to supply the South American country with crude oil, amid tensions with the United States. "We have witnessed military exercises (...) on the island of La Orchila, with the testing of missiles of maximum precision for the defense of our waters and our ...


Venezuela tested missiles on an island on Thursday, President Nicolas Maduro announced, pending the arrival of Iranian oil tankers who are supposed to supply the South American country with crude oil, amid tensions with the United States. "We have witnessed military exercises (...) on the island of La Orchila, with the testing of missiles of maximum precision for the defense of our waters and our coasts," said the head of the 'State during a meeting with the military high command broadcast on state television, without direct mention of the Iranian ships. The tests are being carried out as part of the “Bolivarian Shield” operation, a permanent deployment ordered in February.

Opponent Juan Guaido, recognized as interim president by some fifty countries including the United States, described this operation as a "propaganda exercise" . In a press release, Juan Guaido estimated Thursday that the ships "will only be used to enrich the dictatorial mafia" , evoking a black market which flourishes with the shortage of gasoline.

Read also: In Venezuela, incredible clandestine operation to overthrow Maduro

The Venezuelan government announced on Wednesday the arrival of Iranian oil tankers, for a delivery of crude oil that Tehran has warned the United States not to hinder by movements of its navy in the Caribbean. "We are ready for anything, anytime , " said Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday in a speech on government television, thanking his Iranian ally for his support in the face of Washington's open hostility.

According to press reports, five tankers have left Iran in recent days and are on their way to the Venezuelan Caribbean. The United States announced at the beginning of April a greater surveillance of the organized crime in this area, deploying inter alia combat ships.

Read also: Venezuela: after a year of political crisis, the opposition is struggling to convince

Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world but its production is in free fall. Caracas believes that American sanctions are responsible for this collapse. Experts attribute it to wrong political choices, lack of investment and corruption.

Source: lefigaro

All business articles on 2020-05-22

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