The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) reported that its troops were attacked by armed men in civilian clothes from Venezuela along the Cuyuni River. These incidents, occurring within 24 hours, mark a sharp escalation in the long-running territorial dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region.
According to the GDF, there were three separate attacks, but no injuries or casualties were reported. In response, Guyana has increased patrols in the area.
The attacks come just days before Venezuela plans to hold elections in the disputed Essequibo region on May 25. This move has faced international criticism, especially since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a binding order stopping Venezuela from taking unilateral actions in the contested area.
Venezuela claims sovereignty over Essequibo, which makes up about two-thirds of Guyana’s land. Recently, Caracas has also expanded its claims to parts of Guyana’s offshore maritime zones, including the Stabroek Block. This area, operated by ExxonMobil, holds more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.
The United States has warned Venezuela that any attack on Guyana or ExxonMobil would trigger severe consequences.
Meanwhile, tensions rise as the May 27 deadline approaches for U.S. companies to end operations in Venezuela. Chevron and other producers are lobbying the Trump administration to keep crude flowing and maintain joint ventures with Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA. The first new shipment of Venezuelan crude reached the U.S. this week.
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