Russia, Venezuela To Conduct Joint Naval War Games

Caracas, Venezuela (AHN) - The navies of Russia and Venezuela will conduct joint naval war exercise in November in the Venezuelan waters, the first to be held in the Americas.

A statement from the Venezuelan military says four Russian warships, with some 1,000 soldiers aboard, and the Venezuelan navy and air force, will participate in the war games scheduled for November 10 - 14 in the Venezuelan territorial waters.

The announcement came as relations between Moscow and Washington have been at odds due to Russia's recent brief but bitter conflict with Georgia. The conflict was triggered when Georgia attacked the breakaway province of South Ossetia, which Russia backs, in August 7.

Russia counter-attacked and repulsed the Georgian military which was forced to retreat to defend the capital Tbilisi.

Venezuelan firebrand President Hugo Chavez has increased military cooperation with Russia since taking office.

Venezuela recently bought a squadron of fourth-generation Sukhoi-37 fighter planes from Russia after the U.S. refused to sell spare parts for its ageing F-14 jet fleets.

Moscow and Caracas also signed energy agreement allowing three Russian companies to develop and conduct oil explorations inside Venezuela.