Guyana Triggers Military Response After Venezuelan Vessel Enters Its Waters
In a significant escalation of territorial tensions in the region, Guyana has activated its military response after a Venezuelan vessel reportedly entered its maritime waters on the morning of March 4, 2025. The incursion, which has drawn swift condemnation from Georgetown, marks a new chapter in the ongoing territorial dispute between the two South American nations.
The Venezuelan vessel, identified as a naval patrol boat, was detected navigating waters in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Guyana, an area where the country exercises exclusive rights over natural resources such as oil, fish, and gas. The EEZ in question lies in an area that has been the subject of longstanding dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. The two countries have had tensions over this region for decades, exacerbated by claims made by Venezuela dating back to the 19th century.
According to reports from Guyanese officials, the Venezuelan vessel was spotted several miles off the coast of the disputed Essequibo region. “Our naval forces immediately responded in accordance with our standard protocols. This is a clear violation of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” said Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, in a statement.
The Guyanese government expressed its firm stance against any encroachment on its waters, emphasizing that its military forces were prepared to safeguard the nation’s territory. The country has also lodged a formal protest with the United Nations and called for international mediation to resolve the dispute peacefully.
“We continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution to this longstanding issue, but we will not tolerate violations of our maritime rights. Our priority is to protect the safety and resources of our people,” Rodrigues-Birkett added.
Military authorities in Guyana confirmed that the country’s navy had been placed on high alert following the incident. While no direct confrontation occurred, the presence of the Venezuelan vessel prompted Guyana to increase its maritime patrols and take steps to prevent further incursions.
In response, Venezuela issued a statement dismissing the accusations, claiming that the vessel was conducting routine patrols in what it considers its own waters. Venezuela maintains that the maritime boundary line should be based on a 19th-century agreement, which places the disputed Essequibo region within Venezuelan territory. The Venezuelan government reiterated its stance that the dispute over the region, including the waters, is a matter of national sovereignty.
This incident comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in Latin America, where disputes over borders and natural resources continue to simmer. The discovery of significant oil reserves off the coast of Guyana in recent years has intensified the dispute, with both countries eyeing the potential wealth the region holds.
Experts suggest that the incident is part of a broader geopolitical power struggle, and the Venezuelan government may be attempting to assert its claims amid domestic challenges. Venezuela’s economy has faced severe strain in recent years, and many analysts view the military posturing as a means to rally nationalist sentiment at home.
Guyana, meanwhile, has seen significant foreign investment, particularly in the oil sector, and is keen to assert its rights over the disputed waters. The recent discovery of vast oil reserves in the region has made it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, which has only fueled tensions with its neighbor.
The United Nations and other international bodies have called for both nations to avoid escalating the situation further. The dispute has been a source of diplomatic friction for decades, but the international community has generally urged both nations to settle the matter peacefully through negotiations or arbitration, rather than military confrontation.
For now, the situation remains tense, with both countries closely monitoring each other’s actions. As the region braces for potential further developments, all eyes are on whether diplomatic efforts can resolve the issue or if the situation will escalate into a more ser
ious military standoff.
