Venezuela reinforces defensive capacity

VENEZUELA: Venezuela has reinforced its defensive capacity with the incorporation of two new combat units, amid tensions resulting from threats posed by the setting up of seven US military bases in Colombia.

They are the 11th Armored Brigade and the 14th Mechanized Infantry, which were presented the flags by President Hugo Chavez yesterday.

Those forces form part of the Region for Western Integral Defense, in charge of watching over the over 1,367 miles of the Colombia border.

According to Chavez, both brigades were created under a new Venezuelan military approach, marked by a liberating and anti-imperialist vision, committed with the people.

He also clarified his strict defensive plan, in an ever more complex panorama due to Bogota’s announcement to strengthen its warlike machinery on border zones, increasing verbal attacks by Colombian Defense Minister Gabriel Silva, and the recent incursion of an unmanned plane.

“We do not want to attack anyone. The objective is to increase our defensive capacity to protect the country,” Chavez stressed in Fuerte Mara, Zulia, where he sent a Christmas message to the troops.

Chavez ratified his government’s willingness to leave in peace with Colombia, a country that, he said, is at the service of US hegemony, destabilizing plans.”

Caracas, Wednesday Prensa Latina