In a June 13 televised speech, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez praised an arms factory in Aragua state, constructed with Russian assistance. Though it is still waiting on equipment from Russia, when production is at full capacity the factory will be able to produce 25,000 rifles and 60 million rounds a year. The factory has already produced 3,000 AK-103 assault rifles, according to Chavez.
In addition to Kalahsnikov rifles, the factory (see video below) will produce a series of sniper rifles, which the president referred to as "Catatumbo" rifles. The guns will be available in various calibers, including a .50 caliber anti-materiel version which can be used against vehicles and helicopters. The first of these will be deivered to the military in September.
This is worrisome. I haven't worried about big arms purchases like fighters and subs that Hugo has bought. Our military lives for chances to use our arsenal on poorly trained militaries that think their shiny Russian weapons make them tough. Not that our military wants war, to be clear, but our military is built for such missions.
But lots of rifles in the hands of gangs, militias, and insurgents will make Venezuela a very violent place that will require lots of killing to settle down.
Hugo's legacy will be a poorer Venezuela and a lot of dead in Venezuela and surrounding areas as violence spills over the border.
The clown leader of the Axis of El Vil is no joke when it comes to this. May he rot in Hell.
