Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says his government is strengthening its military because the United States is a threat to Caracas.

Chavez’s remark was a response to US General Douglas Fraser, commander of US military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, who criticized Venezuela for purchasing weapons from Russia.

Fraser had expressed his concern over an apparent military buildup in Venezuela, saying he did not see a “conventional military threat in the region.”

On Saturday, Chavez suggested that somebody should give Fraser a mirror, saying, “Look, general, you’re the threat!”

The Venezuelan leader also said Washington fails to supply Caracas with arms while arming its neighbors.

Caracas signed arms deals with Moscow worth 4.4 billion dollars between 2005 and 2007.

Venezuela is a key partner for Russia in South America.