Russia sends 2 bomber planes to Venezuela

Russia has flown two long-range bombers to Venezuela, flexing its military muscle amid a dispute with the United States over the Georgia war, according to The Times' world briefing this morning.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said the Tu-160 strategic bombers would help counter U.S. regional influences.

The planes were escorted by fighter jets from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Russian Air Force spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky told Interfax news agency.

Recent La Plaza posts reported Venezuela is to carry out a joint naval exercise with Russia later this year. This post was about the re-ignition of relations between Russia and its old communist ally Cuba.

Go here for more on Venezuela and here for more about Cuba.

-- Deborah Bonello