Six Guyanese soldiers sustained gunshot injuries during a confrontation with armed attackers along the Venezuelan border near the mineral-rich Essequibo region, according to military authorities. Two troops remain in critical condition following Monday’s exchange of fire across the Cuyuni River, amplifying diplomatic strains between the South American neighbors.
The incident occurred during a routine resupply mission when soldiers encountered suspected criminal operatives positioned on Venezuela’s riverbanks. ‘This was a deliberate act of aggression against our sovereignty,’ stated Guyana Defense Force Chief Omar Khan. While the attackers’ casualties remain unconfirmed, Khan emphasized border protection as Guyana’s ‘unwavering priority.’
‘The force remains committed to protecting its borders and will take all necessary measures to address any threats to national security,’
This clash intensifies the century-old territorial dispute over Essequibo – a 61,600-square-mile area housing critical oil reserves. Key context drivers include:
- Venezuela’s revived claim based on 19th-century boundary disputes
- Discovery of 11 billion barrels of offshore oil since 2015
- Failed 2023 summit agreements between Presidents Ali and Maduro
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly threatened military annexation of Essequibo, despite a 1966 agreement that established current borders following Guyana’s independence from Britain. Regional analysts warn that Monday’s violence could derail ongoing diplomatic talks mediated by CARICOM and the United Nations.
With injured soldiers now receiving advanced care in Georgetown, Guyana has mobilized additional border patrols while urging international intervention. The incident marks the first direct military engagement in the Essequibo conflict since Maduro’s 2023 referendum to claim the territory – a move condemned by the International Court of Justice.