Venezuelan Military Ship Incursion in Guyana’s Waters Raises Tensions

A Venezuelan military ship was spotted in Guyana’s waters on Saturday morning sailing close to ExxonMobil’s producing FPSO claiming that the units were operating in “a disputed area”.

In a national address, Guyana president Irfaan Ali revealed that the Venezuelan vessel, which entered Guyanese waters on Saturday morning, was part of its coast guard fleet.

“During this incursion, the Venezuelan vessel approached various assets in our exclusive waters including FPSO Prosperity. The patrol vessel transmitted a radio message declaring that the FPSO was operating in what it terms ‘disputed international waters’ before continuing its course southwesterly towards other FPSOs,” Ali said.

He noted “unequivocally” that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognised under international law and that “this incursion is a matter of grave concern”

President Ali has already informed the chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), an intergovernmental organisation that is a political and economic union of 15 member states and five associated members throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, the Atlantic Ocean, and other international partners of the incident. Reportedly, the CARICOM chair has already contacted the Venezuelan government on the issue.

There are hundreds of Guyanese and other workers on various vessels involved in oil production in Guyana’s Stabroek offshore block. Monitoring of the area has been increased and the country’s coast guard will also dispatch more teams to the area.

Venezuela has been laying claims to Guyana’s territory for the longest time even though the dispute was settled in 1899. The two are currently before the International Court seeking a final juridical settlement regarding the ownership of the 160,000 sq km Esequibo area.

The US State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere reacted to the incursion as well, in a way protecting the interests of the US-based supermajor. It condemned the actions, describing them as “an unacceptable threat to Guyana’s internationally-recognised maritime territory”.

“Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s FPSO unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally-recognised maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award,” the statement said.