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Possible Escalation of Guyana/Venezuela Border Dispute
19th of February, 2025. Guyana, South America. GSA News. Guyana News.
Last updated: February 19, 2025 at 21:36 pmShots Fired
In what can be interpreted as an escalation of the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy, members of the Guyana Defense Force were attacked by an armed Venezuelan gang known as the Sindicato. The event occurred on the 17th of February, 2025, in the Cuyuni River near to the Guyana/Venezuela border.
According to the Guyana Defense Force statement, soldiers in a GDF patrol boat were approached by a boat of armed Venezuelan men who opened fire at them. The GDF ranks returned fire after which the aggressors retreated. Six GDF ranks sustained gunshot wounds but are thankfully reported to be in stable condition.
Venezuela is currently claiming the Guyanese territory west of the Essequibo River, an area known as the Essequibo County, which comprises more than two-thirds of Guyana. The Guyanese Government has approached the International Court of Justice to resolve the dispute. However, the Maduro regime has repeatedly said that the ICJ does not have jurisdiction over the matter.
Although the soldiers were not attacked by members of the Venezuelan armed forces, it is well known that the Maduro regime is supported by armed gangs loyal to the Dictator. Venezuela has already annexed the Essequibo via their internal legal apparatus including drafting legislation to defend it and redrawing their map.
The United States and Great Britain has reiterated their support for Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Photo: Travis Chase
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