On the 17th of February, 2025, the Guyana Defense Force reported that GDF soldiers patrolling in the Cuyuni River, near to the Guyana/Venezuela border, were attacked by members of a Venezuelan criminal gang known as the Sindicato. According to the GDF report, the Venezuelan gang approached them in a boat, circled the GDF boat, then opened fire. The GDF returned fire after which the Venezuelans fled. It was later revealed that six GDF soldiers were wounded while 3 Venezuelans were killed and several others wounded.
On the 18h of February, 2025, the Venezuelan government released a statement saying that the Guyana Government lied about the event in order “cover up” their violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. They admitted that three persons died from the incident and several were being treated for gunshot wounds in a Venezuelan hospital, but claimed that it was the GDF who attacked first.
On the 19th of February, 2025, the Venezuelan government released a second statement in which they vowed to “prosecute those who committed a criminal act in Venezuelan territory.”
It should be obvious by now that, if this attack was not sponsored by the Venezuelan government to escalate the conflict with Guyana, it is at least being used to that end.
Statement by Venezuelan Government
THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE WILL PROSECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VIOLENT ACTIONS WHICH OCCURRED IN OUR GUAYANA ESEQUIBA
The Public Prosecutor’s Office informs that, in the exercise of its constitutional and legal powers, it has initiated a criminal investigation regarding the events that took place on February 18, 2025, in the territory of the state of Guayana Esequiba, in which a group of people were injured as a result of the actions of the security forces of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
Guayana Esequiba is an integral part of the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office has jurisdiction to investigate the punishable acts committed there, as established in Article 16 of the Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba.
For the development of the investigation, the 59th Prosecutor’s Office with national competence in common crimes and the 52nd National Prosecutor’s Office with jurisdiction over organized crime have been assigned.
As part of the criminal investigation, the Public Prosecutor’s Office will interview a group of people who were injured in the aforementioned events, who are currently receiving medical care from Venezuelan authorities.
The Venezuelan State, a worthy heir of the legacy of the liberators, remains united and alert under the guidance of the principles of our constitution, in unwavering defense of national sovereignty.
Caracas, February 19, 2025.
Tarek William Saab Attorney General of the Republic
END QUOTE
Editor’s Note: The Venezuelan Government’s statement erroneously says that the even took place on February 18th when it actually took place on February 17th.
Important Points to Note
The Venezuelan government referred to the area in which the shootout took place, which is rightfully Guyanese territory, as “their Guayana Esequiba.”
Venezuela references Article 16 of the Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba.
The last line suggests military readiness with expressions contained therein: a worthy heir of the legacy of the liberators, remains united and alert under the guidance of the principles of our constitution, in unwavering defense of national sovereignty.
The statement asserts, even prior to completion of the investigation, that Venezuelan citizens were injured by GDF forces.
