Guyana Denounces Two New Attacks on its Border Patrols with Venezuela
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) reported on Wednesday that one of its patrols faced "hostile fire twice" while conducting security operations on the border with Venezuela, in Region Seven of the country. Both incidents occurred on the Cuyuni River while the patrol was escorting several civilian vessels on Tuesday afternoon, according to the GDF statement, which indicated that its personnel responded to the attacks and there were no injuries.
TL;DR
- Guyana Defence Force patrols faced hostile fire twice on the Cuyuni River while escorting civilian vessels.
- These incidents occurred in Region Seven, on the border with Venezuela.
- A GDF soldier was previously injured in a similar attack on the Cuyuni River.
- Venezuela's Foreign Minister dismissed the incidents as 'narratives and fabrications'.
- The attacks coincide with oral arguments at the International Court of Justice regarding the Essequibo region dispute.
- Guyana seeks confirmation of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the border and granted Essequibo to Georgetown.
- Venezuela declared the 1962 award null and void, reviving its claim to the territory rich in oil and minerals.
- Venezuela's agent at the ICJ rejected the court's jurisdiction over the dispute.