Border dispute with Venezuela: US plans joint air force exercise with Guyana

Amid rising tensions between Guyana And its neighbor Venezuela has announced military exercises with the US oil-rich jungle state of Guyana. The U.S. Embassy in Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, said the U.S. Southern Command will conduct air force exercises there in conjunction with the Guyanese military. It is based on “routine operations” to enhance the security partnership between the two states and strengthen regional cooperation.

And since America Support came. US national security spokesman John Kirby in Washington said: “We remain steadfast in our unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty. His government supports a peaceful resolution of the border dispute. Brazil and Britain have previously expressed concern about tensions in the region.

The dispute covers a 160,000 square kilometer, sparsely populated border area around the Essequibo River, which is mostly forested, as well as large oil and natural gas discoveries offshore. Both countries claim the territories. The border was established in 1899 when Guyana was still part of the British Empire. US company ExxonMobil has carried out exploratory drilling in Guyana.

The dispute intensified over the weekend when Venezuelans voted in a referendum to annex two-thirds of Guyana, according to the government. Guyana President Irfan Ali said on Sunday that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would impose the ban. VenezuelaGuyana territory should be annexed.

On Friday, the ICJ banned Venezuela from changing its status in the region. In April 2023, the ICJ declared itself responsible for the dispute, but did not commit to a ruling for several years. According to the government, Venezuela rejected the ICJ’s jurisdiction with Sunday’s vote.