Venezuelan Military Boosts Presence near Guyana Border amid Annexation Threats
Amid escalating tensions, Venezuela is intensifying its military presence near the Guyana border, heightening concerns of a potential annexation of valuable Guyanese territory. President Nicolas Maduro's regime is ramping up threats to seize oil-rich land, raising alarms of a looming conflict in the region.
Venezuela is increasing its military presence near the border with Guyana, as President Nicolas Maduro and his supporters intensify their threats to take control of a piece of land rich in oil. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) cautions that although the Venezuelan government stands to lose more than it gains from a conflict, it is still engaging in a risky game regarding its claim over the Essequibo region.
The assertion that 'the Essequibo is ours,' along with the establishment of new military commands and legal structures to protect the region, is solidifying a constant state of readiness for potential conflict. Tensions escalated over the region, which makes up roughly two-thirds of Guyana's national territory, following a Venezuelan referendum last year. The referendum resulted in the approval of a Venezuelan state being created within the disputed area. Guyana viewed this as a move towards annexation and a serious threat, with the possibility of armed conflict hanging over the region.
CNN reported in February that operations at Venezuela's Anacoco Island military base were expanding, despite both countries agreeing in December to resolve the conflict diplomatically.
Using satellite imagery and social media, CSIS discovered that the expansion of Anacoco Island's military base is still ongoing. A bridge is being constructed across the Cuyuni River to link the Venezuelan riverbank to the island, which has been a source of dispute since it was awarded to Guyana in 1899 but annexed by Venezuela in the 1960s.
El Palito refinery of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA is seen, in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, on February 10.
El Palito refinery of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA is seen, in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, on February 10.
Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters/File
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The island's airfield has recently expanded, now featuring a small control tower according to CSIS. Satellite images from March revealed over 75 field tents located near the airfield, enough to accommodate several hundred personnel in a battalion-sized unit. These tents have since been moved to the southern side of the airfield, showcasing the base's ongoing capability to support a large military force with logistics and resupply for an extended period of over a month.
At Venezuela's small coast guard station at Punta Barima, at least two Iranian-built Peykaap III (Zolfaghar) fast missile boats are spotted by the coast. This move puts Venezuelan missiles and naval forces close to the Guyana-administered Essequibo, just 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the Guyanese border.
There is a possibility that Maduro may end up being affected by his own strong statements.
Guyana's partners have expressed concerns about the threats facing the country. Recently, two US Navy F/A-18 fighter jets flew over the capital Georgetown as a demonstration of the ongoing security cooperation and strengthening of the defense partnership between the US and Guyana, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Guyana.
Despite being smaller in size compared to Idaho, Guyana is rich in oil reserves and is on its way to becoming the world's top oil producer per capita. However, the country's military is small, with less than 5,000 soldiers, and lacks the necessary equipment and personnel to defend against potential aggression from Venezuela.
Nigel Dharamlall
Nigel Dharamlall
From The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development
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"All things considered, if you're in Guyana with an army of 5,000 people, it doesn't seem like the Venezuelans are easing up," said Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at CSIS and lead author of the report, in an interview with CNN.
There is a belief that the upcoming Venezuelan elections in late July have prompted Maduro to increase hostilities towards Guyana. Some speculate that this is a tactic to divert attention from his failures: a large number of people have left Venezuela due to economic struggles, food shortages, and limited access to healthcare.
According to CSIS, instead of calming tensions after the election, Maduro might choose to intensify both his language and actions regarding the Essequibo region. This could be an attempt to create a regional crisis following a disputed election.
Maduro may not want to start a big fight with neighboring Guyana, but his aggressive words link his political image and power to his readiness to use force, according to CSIS.
This means that there is a worrying chance that Maduro could end up trapped by his own tough talk. He has stirred up strong feelings of national pride without offering a way to calm things down.
Editor's P/S:
The escalating tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in South America. Venezuela's military buildup and aggressive rhetoric raise concerns about the potential for armed conflict, while Guyana's limited military capabilities and reliance on international support underscore the precarious situation it faces. The involvement of Iran, with the presence of fast missile boats near the disputed territory, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provides valuable insights into the risks associated with Venezuela's actions. The expansion of military bases, the establishment of new legal structures, and the heightened state of readiness suggest that Venezuela is preparing for a potential confrontation. The upcoming Venezuelan elections and Maduro's political motivations may further escalate tensions, creating a volatile environment in the region. It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in diplomatic efforts and seek a peaceful resolution to avoid a conflict that could have devastating consequences for both countries and the stability of the region.
