Venezuela has reached an accord with Russia on buying 40 Russian attack helicopters to defend its border with Colombia, local media reported Tuesday.

The accord was signed in Moscow as part of an ongoing four-day visit there by Venezuelan Vice President Jose Rangel.

According to the agreement, the first 10 helicopters will be delivered to Venezuela in two or three months.

Venezuela and Colombia share a 2,200-km border. Violence stemming from Colombia's four-decade civil war involving leftist rebels, government troops and outlawed right-wing paramilitary groups often spreads into Venezuela. Criminal gangs, refugees and drug traffickers also frequently sneak across the border.

Source: Xinhua