US Warns Venezuela of Consequences Over Threats to ExxonMobil’s FPSOs

The US State Department has warned Venezuela of consequences if military threats against ExxonMobil’s FPSO continue. President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s sovereignty amid escalating tensions, with support from international partners and pending rulings by the International Court of Justice.

On March 1, 2025, the United States State Department issued a warning to Venezuela regarding ongoing military threats against ExxonMobil’s Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The Department noted that if such threats against the FPSO continued, unspecified consequences would follow for the Maduro regime. The Bureau of Western Hemispheric Affairs emphasized that any further provocation would be met with repercussions, although specific details were not disclosed.

Reportedly, Venezuelan military forces withdrew from the Stabroek Block after warning the FPSO Prosperity that it was in disputed international waters. Presently, Guyana’s crude oil production stands at 650,000 barrels per day, with future projections exceeding one billion cubic feet of gas from the Longtail field alone. The US has condemned Venezuelan naval actions as unacceptable and a violation of Guyana’s recognized maritime territory.

President Irfaan Ali of Guyana firmly declared that Venezuela’s leaders would not be permitted to threaten the nation’s sovereignty. “Make no mistake of it: fortified by the strong voices and resolute support of our international partners, Guyana will not allow Maduro and Venezuela to threaten or violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he stated. Additionally, aircraft and Coast Guard resources were mobilized to the affected area.

Reiterating Guyana’s commitment to international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes, President Ali expressed gratitude for the support received from the global community. He acknowledged the importance of international solidarity and pledged to maintain communication with global partners to safeguard Guyana’s interests. The matter regarding the territorial dispute is currently pending resolution by the International Court of Justice.

The Organisation of American States (OAS) condemned Venezuela’s aggressive actions against Guyana on the same day. Furthermore, President Ali informed representatives from the United Kingdom, United States, France, Brazil, and the Caribbean Community about the incursion, which occurred in the early hours of March 1 and lasted several hours. The OAS, Commonwealth, and United Nations Secretaries General were also notified about the situation.

In summary, the United States has warned Venezuela against threatening ExxonMobil’s FPSO, invoking potential consequences for the Maduro regime. Meanwhile, Guyana has asserted its sovereignty, backed by international support, as tensions rise over territorial disputes. The situation remains under scrutiny by the International Court of Justice, highlighting the ongoing complexities in maritime territorial claims between Guyana and Venezuela.

Original Source: demerarawaves.com