OAS Expresses 'Deep Concern' Over Russian Nuclear Bombers in Venezuela

In response to the deployment of two Russian nuclear bombers to Venezuela, the Organization of American States (OAS) issued a statement expressing that this situation has caused its 'deepest concern.' The OAS, which includes all 35 countries in the Americas, including Venezuela, stated in its December 21 statement that 'the reports that Venezuela has welcomed Russian aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons have caused our deepest concern.' The organization noted that the presence of foreign military forces in Venezuela is contrary to the country's constitution, as it has not been authorized by the National Assembly of Venezuela. The OAS further stated, 'Therefore, we consider this action detrimental to the independence of Venezuela.' The news of the Russian strategic bombers' presence was announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense. On December 19, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that two Tupolev 160 bombers had landed at an airport near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. This Russian action in Latin America is not considered a routine military maneuver. For example, the Associated Press reported that the last time Tupolev 160 aircraft were sent to Venezuela was five years ago. Prior to that, in 2008, following the military crisis between Russia and Georgia, Russia had sent a naval fleet to Venezuela. The Tupolev 160 is a supersonic strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The flight of these two bombers occurred just days after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's visit to Moscow and his meeting with Vladimir Putin. The deployment of Russian bombers to Venezuela immediately drew a reaction from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who tweeted, 'The people of Russia and Venezuela should see this for what it is: two corrupt governments wasting the people's money while their people suffer and freedom is lost.' On the other hand, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, described these remarks as 'contrary to diplomatic principles' and 'completely unnecessary.' On Wednesday, the White House announced that Moscow assured Washington that these aircraft would not remain in Venezuela and would leave the country on December 14. Venezuela has been in a comprehensive political, economic, and social crisis for several years. While Maduro's opponents accuse him of steering the country toward dictatorship, Maduro accuses the U.S. of planning to overthrow his government. The United States is deeply concerned about the political and civil situation in Venezuela and has imposed sanctions against Caracas. Based on a series of statistics from international media, at least 230 people have lost their lives during recent protests in Venezuela. The highest number of deaths and injuries occurred during widespread protests in 2017, which left over 160 dead and 15,000 injured.