Guyana mobilises international partners after Venezuela’s military ship invades Stabroek Block

In a recent escalation of the longstanding territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, an armed Venezuelan naval vessel entered the Stabroek Block—an offshore area rich in oil reserves currently under development by ExxonMobil and its partners. This incursion has prompted Guyana to mobilize its international partners in response.

Incident Details

On March 1, 2025, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali reported that a Venezuelan coast guard patrol entered Guyanese waters, approaching the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel “Prosperity” within the Stabroek Block. This area is known for its significant oil deposits, with ExxonMobil and its partners Hess Corporation and China’s CNOOC operating three oilfields estimated to contain around 11 billion barrels of oil. President Ali emphasized that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law and condemned the incursion as a serious threat to the nation’s territorial integrity.

Venezuela’s Position

In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez refuted President Ali’s claims, labeling ExxonMobil’s oil installations as “illegal.” The Venezuelan government asserted that the waters entered by their naval vessel are part of a maritime zone pending delimitation in accordance with international law, thus disputing Guyana’s assertion of sovereignty over the area.

Guyana’s Diplomatic Actions

In reaction to the incursion, Guyana has taken several diplomatic steps:

• Summoning the Venezuelan Ambassador: The Guyanese government summoned the Venezuelan ambassador in Georgetown to express strong objections and seek clarification regarding the incident.

• Engaging International Partners: Guyana has informed its international allies, including the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), about the violation of its territorial waters. The government plans to formally report the incident to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where the territorial dispute is currently under adjudication.

• Military Preparedness: The Guyanese government has deployed air and coast guard assets to monitor and secure its maritime territory, underscoring the seriousness with which it views the Venezuelan incursion.

International Reactions

The international community has responded to the incident with concern:

• United States: The U.S. State Department condemned Venezuela’s actions, stating that further provocations would result in consequences for the Maduro regime. This stance aligns with the U.S.’s ongoing policy of applying pressure on Venezuela through sanctions and diplomatic measures.

• Organization of American States (OAS): The OAS condemned the Venezuelan incursion, reaffirming support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The organization emphasized that such actions violate international law and threaten regional stability.

• CARICOM: The Caribbean Community expressed grave concern over Venezuela’s military activities near the border with Guyana, highlighting the potential risks of escalation and the importance of adhering to international law.

Historical Context of the Dispute

The territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela centers on the Essequibo region, a 160,000-square-kilometer area administered by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela. The controversy dates back to an 1899 arbitration award, which Venezuela accepted for decades before contesting it in the 1960s, coinciding with Guyana’s impending independence from the United Kingdom. The discovery of substantial oil reserves in the disputed maritime area has intensified the conflict in recent years.

Recent Developments

Prior to the current incident, tensions had been escalating:

• Military Buildup: In October 2023, reports indicated that Venezuela was constructing a runway near the border with Guyana’s Essequibo region, raising concerns about potential military escalation. Venezuela claimed the buildup aimed to curb illegal mining activities.

• Diplomatic Engagements: In December 2023, both countries agreed not to use force against each other under any circumstances, a commitment aimed at reducing tensions. However, subsequent actions have called into question the durability of this agreement.

• ICJ Proceedings: The International Court of Justice has been involved in adjudicating the dispute. In December 2023, the ICJ ordered Venezuela to refrain from actions that could alter the status quo in the disputed territory, reinforcing Guyana’s administrative control over the area.

Implications and Future Outlook

The recent incursion by a Venezuelan naval vessel into the Stabroek Block represents a significant escalation in the territorial dispute, with potential implications for regional security and international energy markets. Guyana’s swift mobilization of international support underscores its commitment to defending its sovereignty through diplomatic and legal channels. The involvement of major international actors, including the United States and regional organizations like CARICOM and the OAS, highlights the global significance of the dispute.

As the situation unfolds, the international community will closely monitor the actions of both Guyana and Venezuela, with hopes that adherence to international law and diplomatic engagement will prevail to prevent further escalation.