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.