U.S. Issues Warning to Venezuela Over Naval Incursion into Guyana’s Waters

The U.S. warns Venezuela of consequences following a naval incursion into Guyana’s waters threatening ExxonMobil’s operations. Guyana’s President Ali condemned this action, affirming the nation’s territorial integrity. Historical tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region have intensified, particularly after Maduro’s controversial referendum seeking special military powers. Furthermore, the region’s militarization and recent breaches highlight the ongoing disputes.

The United States has issued a firm warning to the Nicolás Maduro administration in response to reports of a Venezuelan patrol boat entering Guyanese waters. This incursion poses a significant threat to ExxonMobil’s offshore operations in the region. The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs condemned the actions, stating that Venezuelan naval vessels’ threats to ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading unit are unacceptable and violate Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. The U.S. underscored the potential consequences for further provocations and reiterated its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award.

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, publicly denounced the Venezuelan military vessel’s presence near the ExxonMobil-controlled oil block in the Essequibo region, a territory claimed by both nations. In his televised remarks, Ali emphasized that his government had alerted its international allies, including the United States, about this serious territorial threat. He articulated that the nation’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law and declared the incursion as a matter of grave concern that will not be tolerated.

The historical tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the mineral-rich Essequibo region date back over a century. However, the situation has escalated following a controversial referendum in December 2023, where Maduro purportedly sought special powers to invade Guyana for the region’s control. Allegations arose regarding tampering with the election results, yet Maduro claimed to have received a 98% approval rating.

In the subsequent year, Maduro intensified rhetoric surrounding the Essequibo claim, making repeated assertions on television that his regime would not concede its claim over the territory, under Guyanese control since 1899. Additionally, Maduro declared the region as Venezuela’s newest state and increased military presence along the border, further inflaming tensions.

Notably, this incident follows an earlier situation where the Guyana Defence Force reported an ambush on its supply transport, resulting in injuries to six soldiers, which was characterized by Caracas as a “vile frame-up.” Such incidents illustrate the rising volatility in the region and highlight the ongoing conflict over territorial claims.

In summary, the United States has strongly warned the Maduro regime following a Venezuelan naval incursion into Guyanese waters that threatens ExxonMobil’s operations. President Irfaan Ali expressed grave concern regarding this territorial threat, reaffirming Guyana’s maritime boundaries under international law. The historical conflict over the Essequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana continues to escalate, underscoring the need for international awareness and diplomacy.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com