Tensions are escalating between Venezuela and Guyana over claims to the oil-rich region of Essequibo, with both nations accusing each other of violating a recent peace agreement signed in December. Satellite imagery confirms that Venezuela is strengthening its military operations along the disputed border, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Essequibo has been at the center of a territory debate between the countries for decades. Venezuelan government asserts that the land belongs Venezuela, while Guyana’s government maintains it lies within its borders, a stance supported by its allies, like the U.S. However, Venezuela accuses Guyana’s government of allowing the illegal extraction of oil from Essequibo, according to The Associated Press.
These accusations come after Alistair Routledge, the president of ExxonMobil Guyana, informed reporters that concessions had been made by Guyana’s government and the company remains committed to operations despite rising tensions between Guyana and Venezuela.
“We are not going anywhere,” Routledge told reporters Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Venezuela is also accusing ExxonMobil of exploitation and relying on the American military for support. However, the energy giant reiterated its plans to drill two wells in Essequibo, where three refineries already operate and produce nearly 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Following ExxonMobil’s announcement, satellite images from CSIS confirmed that trees had been cleared near the border of Venezuela and Essequibo by the Venezuelan military, and at least six military vehicles, with additional military personnel, are being stationed along the river boundary.
According to the Wall Street Journal, CSIS imagery additionally revealed Venezuelan forces installing two Russian-made anti-aircraft systems and deploying at least three Iranian-made anti-ship guided-missile patrol boats.
Analysts told The Guardian that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s perceived threats may serve as a tactic to rally support for his reelection campaign or to exert pressure on Guyana to share its oil revenue with Venezuela.
Venezuela’s economy is currently struggling to recover from an economic collapse last decade.
In response to Venezuela’s military buildup along the border, Brazil is reportedly deploying troops along its border with Venezuela and Guyana. The U.S. has also announced plans to send military helicopters, drones and radar technology to Guyana.
Robert Persaud, Guyana’s foreign secretary, contends that Venezuela’s aggressive stance constitutes an unprovoked breach of their peace agreement that was signed in December.
“We are not surprised at the bad faith of Venezuela,” Persaud said. “We are disappointed, not surprised. Guyana has a history of entering into bilateral discussions in good faith. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for our neighbor to the west.”
According to CNN, speculation of a possible invasion by Venezuela into Guyana reached its highest point yet in December. Venezuelan voters reportedly approved a referendum that declared Essequibo a Venezuelan state. Guyana called the move an “existential threat.”
