Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he believes a planned build-up of U.S. troops at Colombian military bases is a move toward war, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Chavez said his government plans to buy dozens of tanks because Venezuela feels threatened by the pending deal to let U.S. forces use three airfields and two navy bases there.
The socialist leader did not elaborate during a news conference on Wednesday, but Venezuela is currently negotiating the purchase of tanks and armored vehicles from Russia.
Venezuela and Russia have signed weapons contracts worth more than $4 billion since 2005.
Colombia says Venezuela should not worry about Americans using the military bases.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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