18th of February, 2025. Guyana, South America. GSA News. Guyana News.
Last updated: February 18, 2025 at 23:01 pm
On the 17th of February, 2025, the Guyana Defense Force reported that GDF ranks were approached by a boat of armed men, suspected to belong to the infamous Sindicato Gang of Venezuela, while patrolling in the Cuyuni River near the Guyana/Venezuela border. The Venezuelan gang reportedly circled the GDF boat before opening fire. The GDF soldiers returned fire killing three Venezuelans and wounded several others. Six GDF soldiers were shot but are thankfully said to be in stable condition.
Over the last 24 hours or so, Guyana and the world held its breath in anticipation of a statement from the Venezuelan government. What they say would carry all the weight in the world as it relates to the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. Their “posture” on the recent shootout between GDF ranks and suspected Venezuelan gang members has the potential to swing the pendulum between peace and war. This publication held a number of theories of how Venezuela would react to the recent incident. Would they use this as an excuse to increase military presence near to the border? Would they accuse Guyana of harming “their citizens” in “their Essequibo” and use that as a justification for military presence in the Essequibo?
On the evening of 18th of February, 2025, the Venezuelan government released a statement calling the recent report by the GDF “fake news” and “false flag.” It’s not exactly what we were expecting, but it serves the same objective: to up the ante on the border controversy and portray Guyana as an aggressor and bully. This is the kind of tactics tyrants use as a pretext for war. Venezuela is at it again, increasing tensions with Guyana over the disputed resource-rich Essequibo Region.
Statement by Venezuelan Government
Caracas, February 18, 2025 – The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly rejects what it calls a false narrative promoted by the government of Guyana. According to Venezuelan authorities, Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd is attempting to spread misleading information about an alleged attack on Guyanese troops.
Venezuela claims that this is a “false flag” operation, a fabricated incident designed to manipulate public opinion and divert attention from alleged violations of international law committed by Guyana in the disputed Essequibo region.
Venezuelan authorities are currently investigating the events. Preliminary findings indicate that individuals linked to illegal mining operations in Essequibo—allegedly operating under the protection of the Guyanese military and police—were attacked and injured. These individuals are now receiving medical treatment in Venezuela.
Furthermore, Venezuela accuses the Guyanese government of using disinformation and propaganda war to justify increased militarization in the region. According to the statement, this militarization is backed by the U.S. Southern Command, which Venezuela considers a threat to regional peace.
The Venezuelan government demands that Guyana’s foreign minister halt what it calls “aggressions and lies” and instead adhere to the obligations outlined in the 1966 Geneva Agreement. This agreement establishes direct negotiations as the sole means of resolving the territorial dispute.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, Venezuela insists on the restitution of its sovereign rights over Essequibo, in strict accordance with international law and historical truth.
End Quote
Important points to note:
Venezuela does not deny that the incident occurred, but claims that the Venezuelan gang was attacked by Guyanese forces.
Venezuela accuses Guyana and the US Southern Command of being a threat to regional peace.
Venezuela makes yet another call for Guyana to return to the “negotiation table.”
Venezuela “insists” on its “sovereign rights over the Essequibo.”
