Colombia and the United States have signed an agreement increasing US access to Colombian military bases, despite objections from left-leaning governments in South America.
Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela have all recently expressed concern at the increase.
The BBC reports the deal gives US troops access to seven bases to boost anti-drug and counter-insurgency operations.
President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has denounced the pact, which, he says, will destabilize the region and could set the stage for an invasion of Venezuela led by the US.
However, the US and Colombia say there will be a cap on how many American military personnel and contractors will be allowed in the country.
