The United States has warned Nicolás Maduro’s regime following the incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s waters, threatening ExxonMobil operations. Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, condemned this action, affirming support for territorial integrity. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over the disputed Essequibo region, which has historical claims made by both countries and was recently exacerbated by Maduro’s controversial referendum for military action.
The United States has issued a strong warning to the government of Nicolás Maduro regarding an incursion by a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s waters, which has raised concerns over ExxonMobil’s offshore operations. The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs described the actions as a violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory and indicated that further provocations would have consequences for the Maduro regime. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and the 1899 arbitration ruling.
President Irfaan Ali of Guyana condemned the Venezuelan military vessel’s presence near ExxonMobil’s operations in the Essequibo region, which is claimed by both nations. In a televised address, he emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that international law recognizes Guyana’s maritime boundaries and asserting that threats to territorial integrity would not be tolerated. Ali also noted that the Government had informed its international allies, including the United States, about the incident during which the Venezuelan vessel came close to Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.
Historical tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over this mineral-rich region have persisted for over a century, escalating after a controversial referendum held in December 2023. Maduro sought powers to take military action against Guyana for the Essequibo’s control, claiming overwhelming electoral support despite allegations of election rigging. Additionally, Maduro’s administration has declared the Essequibo as Venezuela’s newest state and increased military activity near the border.
The Essequibo region encompasses six of Guyana’s ten regions and supports a population of 125,000 people out of the country’s total 800,000 inhabitants. This recent maritime incident follows an earlier event on February 17, in which the Guyana Defence Force reported injuries to soldiers from an ambush attributed to alleged Venezuelan criminal gangs. The Caracas regime dismissed the allegations as a fabricated accusation.
In summary, the recent incursion by a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyanese waters has prompted a stern warning from the United States, emphasizing the importance of Guyana’s territorial integrity. President Ali of Guyana has denounced the actions, highlighting the historical disputes over the Essequibo region. Tensions continue to mount as Maduro’s regime asserts claims over the region, further straining relations between the two nations.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
