Hugo Chavez: Colombia is 'Israel of Latin America'

President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has said he will double the number of tanks in his army as he accused neighbouring Colombia of becoming the 'Israel of Latin America' after agreeing to host US military operations.

"We are going to get various tank battalions, at least double, infantry and artillery," said Mr Chavez as he criticised Colombia's decision to grant US aircraft and naval vessels full access and operational rights in four bases.

"It is necessary to increase our defensive power," he added.

Mr Chavez, whose army has 80 main battle tanks, said he had already notified Russia of his desire to acquire more. Russia has provided oil-rich Venezuela with 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 50 helicopters and 24 state-of-the-art Sukhoi fighter aircraft. Mr Chavez claimed that the US, which he describes as the "evil empire", has plans to invade Venezuela and could now use Colombia as a launch pad.

"We are ready to die, but we will never again become a Yankee colony or colony of anyone," More