A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) patrol came under fire twice along the Cuyuni River in Region Seven, marking the second such incident within days as troops continue security operations along Guyana’s western border.
GDF reported in a May 6 release that the exchanges occurred at about 16:10 hrs and 16:50 hrs on May 5, while ranks were escorting civilian vessels. The patrol responded and withdrew safely.
“On each occasion, the patrol, escorting civilian vessels, responded in accordance with operational procedures and safely manoeuvred out from the area without injury to anyone,” the GDF stated.
The incident follows a May 4 shooting in the same river corridor near Black Water, where a soldier was injured after a patrol came under fire while escorting boats between Makapa and Eteringbang.
Both encounters occurred along the Cuyuni River, a key stretch of Guyana’s western boundary where tensions have persisted. The GDF did not identify the source of the gunfire.
The force indicated it is maintaining operations in the area amid the incidents.
“The Guyana Defence Force continues to maintain a sustained operational presence along the western border and remains committed to safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity and the security of its border communities,” the security body said.
The developments come as Guyana pursues its case before the International Court of Justice over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that established the boundary with Venezuela, with hearings ongoing at The Hague.
Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd told the Court on May 4 that Venezuela’s military actions and claims over the Essequibo region have slowed investment and threatened development.
“Guyana has suffered, and continues to suffer, from Venezuela’s unlawful claim and threats over most of our territory. This has been a blight on our existence as a sovereign state. From the very beginning, it has posed a threat to peace and security, made worse in recent years by Venezuela’s military activities, including new bases, airfields, and the deployment of aircraft, heavy weapons, and troops near the border,” the Minister said.
The ICJ, the United Nations’ top judicial body, is expected to deliver a binding decision on the controversy, which has intensified in recent years amid rising economic stakes tied to large quantities of oil and gas discovered by ExxonMobil offshore Guyana and Venezuela’s troubles.
