US Warns Venezuela Following Naval Incursion into Guyanese Waters

The United States warned Nicolás Maduro’s regime following a Venezuelan naval incursion into Guyanese waters that threatened ExxonMobil operations. Guyana’s President condemned the act, asserting the nation’s territorial integrity. Historical tensions regarding the Essequibo region escalated following Maduro’s controversial referendum seeking special powers to invade Guyana. Recent military actions on both sides highlight the ongoing dispute and need for diplomatic resolution.

The United States recently issued a firm warning to the regime of Nicolás Maduro following reports of a Venezuelan naval vessel entering Guyanese waters, posing a threat to ExxonMobil’s offshore operations. The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs stated, “Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally-recognized maritime territory.” They emphasized that further provocations would result in consequences for Maduro’s government, reaffirming their support for Guyana’s territorial integrity based on the 1899 arbitral award.

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, condemned the Venezuelan military vessel’s presence near the ExxonMobil-operated oil block in the Essequibo, a contested area between the two nations. In his televised remarks, he expressed that the incursion is a serious concern, as Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law. “This incursion is a matter of grave concern,” he stated, adding that his government have informed their international allies about the situation.

The dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the mineral-rich Essequibo region dates back over a century but escalated following a controversial referendum in December 2023. In this referendum, Maduro sought permission from Venezuelans to potentially invade Guyana to reclaim Essequibo, claiming to have received a 98% approval despite allegations of election tampering. Throughout the past year, Maduro has reiterated his commitment to Venezuela’s claim over the region, which remains under Guyanese control since 1899.

In response to rising tensions, Maduro enacted laws declaring Essequibo as Venezuela’s newest state, concurrently ramping up military deployments along the border. The Essequibo region encompasses six of Guyana’s ten administrative regions and is home to approximately 125,000 of its 800,000 residents. Recent events included an incident on February 17, where the Guyana Defence Force reported the ambush of six soldiers by alleged members of a Venezuelan criminal organization, an act that was denounced by the Caracas regime as a fraudulent accusation.

The warning from the United States signals the seriousness of the situation regarding Venezuela’s incursions into Guyanese waters. Both nations must address their longstanding territorial dispute without escalating tensions further. Continued support from international allies for Guyana’s claims is crucial as they navigate these challenges, emphasizing the importance of respecting established maritime boundaries and international law.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com