Guyana Increases Alert Level Following Venezuelan Navy Incursion into EEZ
Guyana is on high alert due to a Venezuelan navy ship entering its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), prompting the deployment of air assets and a Coast Guard mobilization. President Irfaan Ali confirmed that the Venezuelan vessel approached key installations, including the Prosperity FPSO. The incident highlights ongoing territorial tensions between the two nations.
Guyana has raised its alert level following an incident involving a Venezuelan naval vessel that entered its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday morning. In response, the nation has mobilized air assets and dispatched its Coast Guard to the region to monitor the situation closely. President Irfaan Ali addressed the public, indicating that the Venezuelan ship approached critical installations within the EEZ, notably ExxonMobil’s Prosperity floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), which operates in Guyana’s Stabroek Block.
The President identified the vessel as “ABF Wakari PO-11 IMO 4695542” and confirmed it belonged to the Venezuelan Coast Guard. He emphasized that the operations of Guyana’s assets, particularly the FPSO Prosperity, adhere to legal frameworks governing the EEZ. Furthermore, reports indicate that the Venezuelan patrol vessel made a communication claiming the FPSO was situated in “undelimited waters.”
In summary, the incursion by a Venezuelan navy vessel into Guyana’s EEZ has heightened tensions, prompting the Guyanese government to take immediate defensive measures. The situation underscores ongoing territorial disputes and the necessity for clear maritime boundaries in the region. Guyana remains firm in asserting the legitimacy of its operations and maintaining the security of its economic interests.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
