Guyana’s military Chief reports 6 soldiers injured in suspected gang attack on Venezuela border on their resupply mission along the Cuyuni River.

On February 18, 2025, Guyana’s military chief reported that six soldiers were injured during a suspected gang attack near the Venezuela border. The soldiers were on a resupply mission along the Cuyuni River when they were ambushed by armed individuals believed to be operating from the Venezuelan side. Two of the injured soldiers are in critical condition. This incident has escalated tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, who have a longstanding territorial dispute over the Essequibo region. The Guyana Defence Force has pledged to take all necessary measures to protect the nation’s borders and address any threats to national security.

The Essequibo region, encompassing approximately 159,500 square kilometers west of the Essequibo River, has been a contentious area between the two nations. The dispute traces back to colonial times, with the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award establishing the current boundary. Venezuela, however, has long contested this award, claiming the territory as its own. The area is rich in natural resources, including significant oil reserves, which have intensified the stakes of the dispute.

In recent years, the conflict has seen various escalations. In December 2023, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro threatened to annex the Essequibo region, aiming to incorporate it into Venezuela as “Guayana Esequiba.” This move was met with strong opposition from Guyana and the international community.

Further exacerbating tensions, Venezuela completed a bridge in January 2025 connecting its mainland to a military base on Ankoko Island, a territory claimed by both nations. Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Hugh Todd, condemned the construction, stating it violated agreements aimed at resolving the dispute through peaceful means and constituted a breach of Guyana’s sovereignty.

The ongoing dispute has also been brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In December 2024, Guyana submitted a reply to Venezuela’s counter-memorial, seeking confirmation that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid under international law and should be upheld as the legal boundary between the two nations. Venezuela, which had accepted the award for over six decades, reversed its position before Guyana’s independence in 1966, asserting a claim to the Essequibo region.

The recent attack on Guyanese soldiers is a stark reminder of the volatility in the border region. While the assailants are suspected to be gang members, the incident underscores the broader security challenges arising from the territorial dispute. Both nations have been urged by the international community to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The discovery of significant offshore oil reserves has transformed Guyana’s economy, attracting global attention and investment. However, this economic boom has also intensified the territorial dispute, with Venezuela asserting claims over the resource-rich areas.

In response to the evolving situation, regional organizations and neighboring countries have called for peaceful negotiations. The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have both emphasized the importance of upholding international law and respecting established borders. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to mediate the dispute and find a lasting resolution that ensures peace and stability in the region.

The recent attack serves as a critical juncture for both Guyana and Venezuela. It highlights the urgent need for renewed diplomatic engagement and confidence-building measures to address not only the immediate security concerns but also the underlying issues fueling the territorial dispute. The path forward requires a balanced approach that considers legal precedents, economic interests, and the well-being of the populations on both sides of the border.