Venezuela tells army to prepare for conflict

Venezuela ordered its army yesterday to prepare for conflict, after accusing Colombia of making a provocative incursion into its territory.

In his weekly television show, Hello President, Hugo Chávez accused the US of ordering the alleged incursion. The socialist leader had already warned of conflict over a Colombian plan to give the US access to seven military bases.

Mr Chávez, who is attending a regional summit in Ecuador, said that the “Yankees” were already commanding Colombian armed forces.

“These [Colombian] troops crossed the Orinoco river in a boat and carried out an incursion into Venezuelan territory,” said Mr Chávez, without mentioning when the incident, which was denied by Bogotá, took place. “The threat against us is growing. I call on the people and the armed forces, let’s go, ready for combat!” More