Guyana reports attacks from Venezuelan side along Cuyuni River
The attacks occur amid ongoing tensions over Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region
The Guyanese Government has condemned multiple armed attacks along the Cuyuni River by armed men in civilian clothing firing from the Venezuelan side of the river between Eteringbang and Makapa, in which no injuries were reported. According to Georgetown, Guyana’s Defense Force (GDF) responded appropriately and continues to protect the country’s territorial integrity.
Guyana’s Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest with Venezuela, demanding an investigation and accountability, referencing a similar incident on Feb. 17, 2025, in which 6 GDF soldiers were injured.
“The Ministry… has registered its condemnation of these attacks and requested that a thorough investigation be carried out by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the perpetrators be apprehended and brought to justice,” a statement read. “It is the intention of the Ministry, as it did with the incident of February 17, 2025, to bring these latest incidents to the attention of the international community,” it went on.
Georgetown also pledged to monitor the situation closely and “take all appropriate action where necessary.”
The GDF ”remains resolute in its mission to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its citizens. It will continue to respond to acts of aggression along the Guyana-Venezuela border and will maintain regular patrols along the Cuyuni River,” the document further noted.
The attacks occur amid ongoing tensions over Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region, with Caracas planning to install a governor there via an election to be held on May 25. The border dispute is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
