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Venezuela's Military Corruption Raises US Tension Concerns

12/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

As tensions rise between the United States and Venezuela, experts warn Venezuela's military is weakened by corruption and decay.
Isaias Medina, a former Venezuelan diplomat, describes the state as "criminalized" and dominated by narcotrafficking.
Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery notes air defenses can be neutralized quickly, but a ground operation would be complex; Venezuela could still complicate initial operations.

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Story summary

As tensions rise between the United States and Venezuela, experts warn Venezuela's military is weakened by corruption and decay.
Isaias Medina, a former Venezuelan diplomat, describes the state as "criminalized" and dominated by narcotrafficking.
Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery notes air defenses can be neutralized quickly, but a ground operation would be complex; Venezuela could still complicate initial operations.