The United States condemned Venezuelan naval actions threatening ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyanese waters. President Irfaan Ali reported Venezuelan encroachments, prompting U.S. warnings of consequences for further provocations. The tensions center on the disputed Essequibo region, especially after ExxonMobil’s recent oil discoveries. Venezuela disputes the territorial claims, asserting the waters are undelimited under international law.
On Saturday, the United States condemned Venezuelan naval vessels for allegedly threatening an ExxonMobil unit in marine territory claimed by Guyana. They issued a warning regarding potential “consequences” for any further provocations from Caracas after Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan patrol boat approached Guyana’s exclusive waters at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time, alerting international partners via social media as a precaution.
The U.S. State Department stated that Venezuelan actions in threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading unit represent a clear violation of internationally recognized Guyanese territory. They emphasized that any additional provocations by the Maduro regime would carry consequences. This tension is exacerbated by a longstanding territorial dispute over the resource-rich Essequibo region, which has become increasingly contentious since ExxonMobil’s discovery of significant oil deposits in 2015.
In April 2024, Guyana renewed its contract with ExxonMobil, intensifying Venezuela’s opposition. President Ali reaffirmed on social media that the operations of floating production vessels are legal within Guyana’s exclusive economic zone, asserting the nation’s commitment to peace and the rule of law. He acknowledged Guyana’s intent to pursue diplomatic solutions while firmly stating, “We will not tolerate threats to our territorial integrity.”
Venezuela, in response, rejected President Ali’s comments, claiming they were based on falsehoods regarding their naval operations in disputed waters. The Venezuelan foreign ministry’s statement indicated that those maritime zones are unallocated under international law. The recent increase in tensions can be traced to incidents, including an ambush on six Guyanese soldiers by a Venezuelan criminal gang on February 17, marking a sensitive date related to historic agreements regarding territorial disputes.
Furthermore, in 2023, President Maduro suggested creating a Venezuelan province in the contested area, and discussions occurred between Ali and Maduro in December 2023 to find a peaceful resolution. However, these talks were strained when the British naval ship HMS Trent visited Georgetown, which Maduro termed a provocation. Subsequently, Venezuela conducted significant military exercises near the border, bringing thousands of troops and weaponry into the area, escalating the overall geopolitical tensions.
The geopolitical tensions between the United States, Guyana, and Venezuela continue to escalate over territorial disputes, particularly surrounding the Essequibo region. The U.S. firmly denounces Venezuelan provocations against ExxonMobil in Guyanese waters, warning of repercussions while Guyana insists on its legal rights in the area. Meanwhile, Venezuela maintains its stance, claiming the waters are undelimited and accusing Guyana of falsehoods. The pursuit of a peaceful resolution remains complex amid heightened military activity and historical grievances.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
