Venezuela Contests Guyana's Deceptive Account Regarding Conflict in Contested Essequibo Region
Rewritten Article:
(February 22, 2025, our website)
Caracas is up in arms over Georgetown's alleged exaggeration of a skirmish in the controversial Essequibo region.
Venezuela's Foreign Ministry blasted Guyana for peddling "hoaxes and slander" in a heated statement, dubbing the incident a "manufactured conflict."
Amidst the commotion on Monday, six Guyanese Defense Force (GDF) soldiers sustained injuries in a suspected firefight. According to Caracas, the wounded troops were attacked by Guyanese troops while disrupting illegal mining operations in the Essequibo territory.
Taking matters into their hands, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab launched an investigation into the skirmish, starting with interviews with the wounded soldiers now receiving treatment in Venezuela.
In a stark response, Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd summoned Venezuela's Ambassador, Carlos Pérez, expressing "outrage" over the attack and holding Caracas accountable. Todd stressed the need for Venezuela to eradicate "criminal gangs" operating near the border.
Meanwhile, the Guyanese government has backed a different version of events, with local press reporting that two wooden boats intercepted and fired upon a GDF supply ship as it traveled on the Cuyuní River. The press also suggested a heavy presence of illegal mining outfits in the jungle area.
Guyana's President Irfaan Ali has vowed to treat the incident seriously and is conducting his own probe.
The spike in border tensions comes as both nations approach the 59th anniversary of the Geneva Agreement, where they committed to peacefully resolving the Essequibo territorial dispute. Yet, Venezuela standfast in their stance that the 1966 accord represents the only viable solution to this centuries-old conundrum.
The 160,000 square-kilometer Essequibo Strip, laden with resources but sparsely populated, is currently controlled by Guyana. Venezuela maintains vigilance over claims that the 1899 arbitration ruling granting the territory to the United Kingdom, Guyana's former colonial power, lacks legitimacy.
Recent oil discoveries in the Essequibo's waters have rekindled the boundary dispute, with Guyana moving ahead with oil drilling and exports, backed by US oil giant Exxon Mobil. Venezuela fiercely opposes these activities, asserting they violate the 1966 Geneva Agreement.
In a bid to fortify its position, Guyana has requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to uphold the original arbitration decision. Venezuela, however, has dismissed the ICJ's jurisdiction and plans to defend its case in August 2025.
As tensions rise, Guyana has deepened its military ties with the US, prompting concerns from Venezuela that the US may establish military bases in Guyana. The heated political environment has also seen Venezuela institute plans to hold elections in the disputed State of Guayana Esequiba in 2025 and schedule regional elections soon to select a governor for the region.
Enrichment Data:
A Chronicle of the Border Conflict Escalation in 2025
The persistent dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region has escalated significantly, creating a powder keg of regional tension in 2025. Here are the key events and unfolding challenges:
The History:
- Venezuelan Territorial Claims: Venezuela alleges that the western Essequibo region belongs to them, attributing the boundary commission of the 1890s for disadvantaging them[1][4].
- Guyana's Domain: Guyana reveres its sovereignty over the area, which boasts substantial natural resources, including oil[3].
The Upsurge in 2025:
- Venezuelan Electoral Efforts: In January 2025, Venezuela proclaimed plans for elections in the State of Guayana Esequiba, further fanning the flames[2].
- Naval Fiascos: In March 2025, a Venezuelan navy vessel confronted ExxonMobil's oil production vessels in the disputed Stabroek Block, claiming they were infringing on Venezuela's exclusive economic zone. The incident provoked a resolute response from Guyana, mobilizing their air force and coast guard[2].
- Global Backlash: The encounter led to international censure, with the US, France, Canada, and the UK siding with Guyana. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened heavy consequences if Venezuela assaulted Guyana or its oil operations[1][5].
- New Oil Ventures: In April 2025, the arrival of a new oil vessel (FPSO One Guyana) in the contested waters sparked Venezuela's ire, as they deemed it a violation of international law[1].
- Venezuelan Legal Warnings: Caracas threatened not to acknowledge any concessions granted in the disputed area and hinted at potential litigation against the involved enterprises[1].
The situation remains tense, with both nations holding fast to their claims, while the international community urges a peaceful resolution. Guyana is pursuing legal arbitration, with a potential decision anticipated around 2027[5].
- The escalating border conflict between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region reached a critical point in 2025, leading to increased regional tension.
- In January 2025, Venezuela announced plans for elections in the disputed State of Guayana Esequiba, a move criticized by Guyana.
- In March 2025, a naval incident occurred when a Venezuelan navy vessel confronted ExxonMobil's oil production vessels in the disputed Stabroek Block, leading to international censure and a resolute response from Guyana.
- In April 2025, the arrival of a new oil vessel (FPSO One Guyana) in the contested waters provoked Venezuela's ire, with Caracas threatening not to acknowledge any concessions granted in the disputed area and hinting at potential litigation.
- The heated political environment also saw a heavy presence of illegal mining outfits in the jungle area of the Essequibo region, contributing to the ongoing war and conflicts.
- Amidst the escalating conflict, Guyana deepened its military ties with the US, prompting concerns from Venezuela that the US may establish military bases in Guyana, potentially affecting the energy industry and financing in the region.
