The U.S. warned Venezuela’s Maduro of consequences following a patrol boat’s incursion into Guyana’s waters, threatening ExxonMobil’s operations. Guyana’s President Ali condemned the incident and emphasized the recognition of Guyana’s maritime boundaries under international law. Tensions have escalated due to Maduro’s aggressive actions concerning the disputed Essequibo region, which remains a historical point of contention between the two South American nations.
On Saturday, the United States issued a firm warning to Nicolás Maduro’s government regarding the intrusion of a Venezuelan patrol boat into Guyanese waters, which jeopardized ExxonMobil’s offshore operations. The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs deemed this action unacceptable, emphasizing it as a violation of Guyana’s internationally-recognized maritime territory and stressing that further provocations would yield consequences for the Maduro regime. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to affirming Guyana’s territorial integrity and adherence to the 1899 arbitral award regarding this dispute.
In response to the Venezuelan military vessel’s presence near the disputed oil block in Essequibo, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali condemned the incursion as a significant concern. In a televised address, he confirmed that his government had communicated the situation to international allies, including the United States, asserting, “Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law. We will not tolerate threats to territorial integrity.”
Tensions surrounding this mineral-rich region have escalated over the past century, particularly after Maduro’s controversial referendum in December 2023, where he sought increased powers to potentially invade Guyana for control of Essequibo. Despite accusations of electoral fraud, Maduro claimed overwhelming support for his agenda, leading to heightened military presences along the border and declaring the region as a new state amid ongoing military exercises.
Notably, this recent incident follows a violent encounter on February 17, where six soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force were injured during an alleged ambush by individuals connected to a Venezuelan criminal gang, which the Caracas regime dismissed as a fabricated story – a development that further exacerbates already strained relations between the two nations.
The ongoing maritime dispute between Venezuela and Guyana has intensified following recent provocations from Maduro’s regime. The U.S. has reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity while warning of potential consequences for further Venezuelan aggression. This situation has historical roots, and coupled with recent military actions and political maneuvers, it poses a significant challenge to regional stability.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
