Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned CARICOM about the dangers posed by the collaboration between Guyana and U.S. SOUTHCOM amid ongoing tensions over the Essequibo region. He emphasized Venezuela’s preparedness to defend its territorial claims against Guyana’s oil exploration backed by ExxonMobil and criticized the strengthening of U.S. military ties with Guyana, viewing it as a direct threat to national sovereignty.
During a recent broadcast, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro cautioned the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding the potential implications of collaboration between Guyana and the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). He articulated his concerns in light of a meeting between Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and U.S. military leaders, stating, “I call on the Caribbean, on CARICOM, to be alert, because the Southern Command is there provoking our region and Venezuela is here, ready and well positioned to defend its historical rights.”
The tensions between Venezuela and Guyana have escalated due to Guyana’s oil exploration efforts in the disputed Essequibo region, in partnership with ExxonMobil, which Venezuela claims as part of its territory. Maduro’s government remains staunch in its position, holding a referendum that reaffirmed its claims to the region, which it argues has been its territory since its independence. The ongoing exploration and production by ExxonMobil, reported at around 645,000 barrels of oil per day, is a vital aspect of the economic interests at stake in this territorial dispute.
Despite the legal proceedings currently underway at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) addressing the border controversy, Guyana has strengthened its defense partnerships. For instance, it recently welcomed a U.K. warship, and maintains active cooperation with SOUTHCOM, which has conducted joint operations with the Guyana Defence Force. Even as diplomatic discussions progress, Maduro perceives the Guyanese president’s alignment with U.S. military forces as a direct threat to Venezuelan sovereignty, warning of possible military bases being established in Guyana.
The territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana centers on the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area that Venezuela has claimed since the 19th century, following its independence from Spain. Increasing tensions have arisen as Guyana, with the involvement of ExxonMobil, has expanded oil exploration in this contested region. In December 2023, Venezuela conducted a referendum reaffirming its claims, while Guyana sought international recognition of a 1899 arbitration agreement. Amidst these developments, the role of the U.S. Southern Command has garnered concern, particularly as it collaborates closely with Guyana’s military.
In conclusion, the interaction between Venezuela and the U.S. Southern Command, as highlighted by President Maduro’s warnings, underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Essequibo region. As Venezuela maintains its historical claims against growing Guyanese and American influences, the potential for heightened tensions remains, particularly in light of ongoing military partnerships and legal proceedings at the ICJ.
Original Source: venezuelanalysis.com
