In a significant escalation of tensions along the Guyana-Venezuela border, the Guyanese government has expressed outrage and is demanding redress from Venezuela following an armed attack on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers. The incident, which occurred on Monday, February 17, 2025, has heightened concerns about regional security and bilateral relations between the two South American nations.
The Attack
On Monday afternoon, a GDF supply vessel navigating in Guyanese waters between Eteringbang and Makapa came under fire from a group of heavily armed men positioned on the Venezuelan side of the Cuyuni River. The attack resulted in injuries to six GDF troops, all sustaining gunshot wounds. While there were no fatalities among the Guyanese soldiers, two are reported to be in critical condition.
The injured soldiers have been identified as:
- Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray (gunshot wound to the head)
- Sergeant Kevon Davis (shot in the right foot and ankle)
- Corporal Andrew Fraser (wounds to abdomen and shoulder)
- Corporal Kevin Henry (injured in left arm and shoulder)
- Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick (shot in the right thigh)
- Private Ezron Samuel (wounded in the right side of abdomen)
Sindicato Gang Involvement
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers are members of the notorious Venezuelan Sindicato gang, known for operating with impunity along Venezuela’s side of the border. The Sindicato has a history of harassing, robbing, and even killing Guyanese citizens in the hinterland region.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that a member of the Sindicato gang may have died in the confrontation, though this information has not been officially verified by either Guyanese or Venezuelan authorities.
Guyana’s Response
The Guyanese government has taken swift diplomatic action in response to the attack. On February 18, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd, summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez, to condemn the attack and demand redress.
Minister Todd conveyed Guyana’s outrage over the incident and held Venezuela responsible under international law. He emphasized that Venezuela is accountable for any harm caused to Guyana or its nationals by persons acting from Venezuelan territory, including private individuals unaffiliated with the Venezuelan government or armed forces.
The Guyanese government has called on Venezuela to:
- Comply with its international obligation not to allow its territory to be used to harm a neighboring state
- Eliminate the presence of criminal gangs in the border region
- Prevent future attacks on Guyana
- Deploy its military assets against the criminal gangs within its territory
Military Response and Investigation
The GDF has mobilized to reinforce its presence in the area, demonstrating its commitment to protecting Guyana’s borders and addressing threats to national security. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Guyanese authorities working to gather more information about the attack and its perpetrators.
International Implications
This incident occurs against the backdrop of longstanding territorial disputes between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region. The attack has raised concerns about the potential involvement of non-state actors in the border region and their impact on bilateral relations.
The international community, including the United Nations Security Council, has expressed concern about the possible escalation of tensions between Venezuela and Guyana. They have urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint and resolve their differences through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
As Guyana continues its investigation and diplomatic efforts, the situation remains tense. The government’s demand for redress from Venezuela marks a critical moment in the ongoing border dispute, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations in South America.
