ARmy Rumour SErvice

**batfink** · 02-03-2008, 22:34

Hugo Chavez has massed thousands of troops and tanks to its border with Colombia in response to the killing of leading FARC rebel.

Click Here

**jonwilly** · 03-03-2008, 01:42

Wouldn't have the vaguest idea on the potential of any of South Americas armed forces.
john
And please lets not turn this into slag the Argies.

**DrStealth** · 03-03-2008, 02:22

a Columbia, Venezuela stand off.
Chavez and FARC cooperation/alliance. (actual or alleged)
Colum/Venez conflict.
Venezuela labeled Terrorist state.
a US attack with lots of 'shock and awe'. (thats big flashy explosions on TV for the voters at home)
invasion to 'capture war criminals and terrorists'.
another world region of oil supply tied to western interests.

'Mission Accomplished 2' - another huge flag waving nationalist victory, just before an election too.................

its a republican party wet dream.

edit to add - and chavez is a much easier target than Iran.

**jonwilly** · 03-03-2008, 02:26

Interesting.
I do know that Venezuelan oil is very 'Heavy' crude and only few Refineries can process this oil.
Most are located along the coast of Southern USA.
If Chavez refused to supply the US he would have problems selling it.
john

**Mr_Jones** · 03-03-2008, 02:36

Chavez is an ego-maniac--bound to start a war with someone eventually. When and who with is probably more or less random.

**muhandis89** · 03-03-2008, 02:50

I was in Venezuela when Chavez tried to start a coup,while he was still in the army there.That was a complete non event.Can he do better this time? I doubt it!!! He's a typical S American blustering politico.

**Brick** · 03-03-2008, 04:11

Well he's postured on his television show asking the defence minister to “Move me 10 battalions to the border with Colombia immediately - tank battalions,” but I'll wait and see what actually happens first. Will these tanks actually show up or will they be a couple thousand guys with AK-47s that make a much publicised entrance, sit in their bases near the border doing bugger all apart from some showy PR manoeuvres when the television cameras are about and then quietly disappear back in a month or two when no-one is looking. Chavez does have a reputation for being somewhat all talk and no trousers on occassion.

**DavidBOC** · 03-03-2008, 04:28

But remember that Chavez has a lot of support in the US. One of his major partners is Citizen's Energy which is controlled by former Congressman Joe Kennedy. Yes, he's one of THOSE Kennedys. Joe could be outwitted by a cocker spaniel but he is very influential. Commercials for Citizens Energy show him hugging Chavez.

**bearwall** · 03-03-2008, 08:33

Did i read a while back that Red Ken wants to buy oil from this guy to help Londoners out.

**Magic_Mushroom** · 03-03-2008, 09:16

I think Mr Chavez has aspirations to be the new Fidel Castro in the region.

The Venezuelan military have a mix of western and Russian equipment.

The Navy have a fairly modern mix of frigates and German subs.

The Army has AMX-30 tanks, AMX-13 APCs and even some Scorpion, Samson, Sultans and Samaritans!!

The AF has a small number of modern Su-30MK Flankers plus some fairly antiquated F-16As and Mirage III. How good they are at operating them however is questionable.

Regards,
MM