Guyana Activates Defense Measures Following Venezuelan Navy Incursion

Guyana has entered a state of high alert after a Venezuelan navy vessel intruded into its exclusive economic zone on Saturday. In response, the government deployed air assets and engaged the Coast Guard. President Irfaan Ali affirmed the legality of Guyana’s operations in the area, countering Venezuela’s claims over the waters.

Guyana is currently on high alert following the entrance of a Venezuelan navy vessel into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday morning. In response, the nation has mobilized its Coast Guard and deployed aerial surveillance assets to the region. This precautionary measure was taken after the vessel approached significant installations within Guyana’s EEZ, including ExxonMobil’s Prosperity floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO).

President Irfaan Ali addressed the nation, confirming that the vessel in question, identified as “ABF Wakari PO-11 IMO 4695542,” is part of the Venezuelan Coast Guard. He emphasized that all of Guyana’s maritime activities, including those conducted by the FPSO Prosperity, are legal within the established EEZ boundaries. Furthermore, reports indicated that the Venezuelan ship issued a radio transmission asserting claims over what it termed “undelimited waters.”

In summary, Guyana’s heightened alert status stems from a Venezuelan navy ship’s incursion into its EEZ, prompting the mobilization of air assets and Coast Guard resources. President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed the legitimacy of Guyana’s operations within its EEZ amidst Venezuela’s claims, underscoring the importance of maritime sovereignty.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com