‘We expect no violation of our sovereignty, but we are ready to protect it’- Chief of Defence Staff

Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan on Thursday declared that while the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) expects no violation of the country’s sovereignty by neighbouring Venezuela, it remains fully mobilised and prepared to respond to any threat.

His comments were made during a press briefing at Base Camp Ayanganna following three separate armed attacks on GDF troops within a 24-hour period along the Cuyuni River, between Eteringbang and Makapa.

According to Brigadier Khan, the armed men in civilian clothing on the Venezuelan side of the border opened fire on GDF patrols on Tuesday and Wednesday as they moved between operational points on the river.

Though no injuries were reported, the attacks – described as deliberate and provocative – have heightened concerns along the border, prompting strengthened patrols and renewed assurances from the GDF that all measures are in place to safeguard Guyana’s territorial integrity and the safety of its border communities.

In this regard, Khan assured that GDF ranks are deployed along the border with Venezuela and remain on high alert.

“We share the border with Venezuela. We expect Venezuela not to violate our sovereignty, but we are prepared for any eventuality, that’s why we continue to patrol the entire border…,” the Chief of Defence Staff affirmed.

“The residents in the community, I would tell you, because of where they are, there’s no major threatening activity that occurred. This particular location, Baboon, is in a part of the river that no one is living within 50 kilometers, I would say,” he added, referring to the location of the recent attacks.

Nevertheless, the Chief of Defence Staff has warned of serious implications for any Guyanese citizen who participates in Venezuela’s planned election for Essequibo region – two thirds of Guyana’s landmass.

He also warned that Venezuelan nationals seeking refuge in Guyana will be deported if they participate in any such actions scheduled for May 25.

“The Guyana Defence Force is not a force of uniform alone. You are part of the Guyana Defence Force. Every citizen. And we have been receiving information from the general public along our border communities, in Georgetown, information that we have acted on and will continue to act on. So, someone participating in such an election will eventually get to us”.

“Once we’ve got knowledge of it. We arrest you and deport you. Yes, Venezuelans. You can’t vote in a country of yours and come to our country and believe everything will be okay,” he noted.