Chavez broke relations with Bogota and stated that Colombia headed by Uribe had become the United States' "Israel" of South America to attack the leftist governments in the region.
The United States reiterated on Monday its support to Colombia, its closest ally in South America.
Venezuela's 2,200 kilometers border with Colombia is on state of general alert, Rangel said, although he has not revealed how many soldiers, combat tanks and airplanes have been mobilized to that border.
Venezuelan soldiers stand in front of a military helicopter at the border state of Zulia March 3, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
