Tag: Essequibo

Venezuela’s Military Buildup Near Disputed Essequibo Region Heightens Tensions

Venezuela’s armed forces have relocated significant personnel and equipment near the contested, oil-rich Essequibo region controlled by Guyana. This is according to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

This move could escalate tensions ahead of Venezuela’s upcoming presidential elections.

The CSIS report, published Tuesday, presents updated satellite images from mid-March to late April, showing sustained construction and expansion of a military base near Anacoco Island on the Guyana border. While Venezuela and Guyana have disputed this sparsely populated territory since the 19th century, the discovery of massive oil reserves offshore Guyana has intensified the conflict in recent years.

With presidential elections just two months away, President Nicolás Maduro might leverage the “imminent threat of invasion” to disrupt or delay the vote.

The CSIS report warns that although Venezuela has more to lose than gain from full-scale conflict, it continues to play a “dangerous game” over its claim to the Essequibo region. The report emphasizes that the rhetoric of “the Essequibo is ours,” combined with new military commands and legal frameworks, is perpetuating a state of prewar readiness. 

Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana Escalate 

Venezuela’s parliament has given the green light to establish a new state in the contentious and oil-rich Essequibo region, situated across the border in Guyana.

This move has drawn strong criticism from Guyana, which denounces it as a blatant infringement on its sovereignty. The decision comes after years of Venezuela asserting its claim over Essequibo, particularly since significant offshore oil reserves were discovered in 2015.

In response, Guyana’s foreign ministry condemned the action, labeling it a direct violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The international community was urged to reject Venezuela’s expansionist agenda and uphold the rule of law.

Essequibo, historically administered by Guyana and subject to ongoing border disputes at the International Court of Justice, has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions, exacerbated by the discovery of substantial oil reserves.

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