A look at militaries in 3 Andean nations

A look at the military strength of U.S.-backed Colombia compared to Ecuador and Venezuela.

Colombia has been battling left-wing insurgents for more than four decades and enjoys close U.S. logistical and intelligence support. Venezuela's military lacks combat experience but its air force has superior technology. Ecuador fought a monthlong border war with Peru in 1995.

COLOMBIA (includes army, navy, air force)

Regular troops: 254,300

Reservists: 61,900

National Police: 136,000 (many combat-trained and equipped).

Hardware: 115 combat-capable aircraft, including 22 ground-attack fighters, among them Mirages and Kfirs. Four surface combat ships

Defense budget in 2007: $5.1 billion

ECUADOR (includes army, navy, air force)

Regular troops: 57,100

Reservists: 118,000.

Hardware: 57 combat-capable aircraft including 31 fighters, among them Mirages and Kfirs. Eight surface combat ships.

Defense budget in 2007: $918 million

VENEZUELA (includes army, navy, air force, national huard):

Regular troops: 115,000

Reservists: 280,000 (estimated, fighting capability unknown)

Hardware: 94 combat-capable aircraft including 68 fighter jets including Sukhois, F-16s and Mirages. Recent military purchases include 53 helicopters, two dozen SU-30 Sukhoi fighter jets and 100,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles. Six surface combat ships.

Defense budget in 2007: $2.56 billion

Source: International Institute for Strategic Studies, AP