Venezuela strengthens country's defenses against possible USA attack

President Hugo Chavez Frias of Venezuela is strengthening his nation's defenses in order to be able to defeat any USA attempt to invade his country. President Chavez is convinced that the Bush Administration is planning to launch a military attack on Venezuela as it has done against Iraq. Earlier this month, Chavez stated that if the USA attacks his country that the price per barrel of oil will soar to $200.

Venezuela's military is making two major moves that will help the country stop a military attack by USA armed forces. Vice Admiral Jose Laguna, the Navy's commander-in-chief, will be discussing the purchase of Amur-class submarines during his upcoming visit to Russia. Vice Admiral Laguna intends to go to sea onboard an Amur-class diesel-electric submarine to inspect its tactical and technical characteristics.

Venezuela will be purchasing three new generation submarines. German Type 212/214 submarines and French-Spanish Scorpio submarines will also be reviewed.

Vice Admiral Laguna said the Venezuelan Navy would choose a submarine that has the best tactical and technical characteristics and is easy to train personnel. Amur-class submarines have the new Club-S antiship weapon system. This system enables the submarine to fire Club-S missiles, as well as torpedoes, from ten torpedo tubes in the bow.

In another defense move, Venezuela has deployed more troops along its border with Colombia. Venezuelan Army Commander Raul Baduel announced Friday that he will deploy more troops in the southwestern state of Apure bordering Colombia.