Devendra Kumar
President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela has ordered a demonstration of defensive muscle in the Eastern Caribbean after the UK dispatched a warship to Guyana’s territorial waters, heightening tensions over a disputed border region. Maduro proclaimed that the imminent arrival of the British vessel HMS Trent poses a threat to his nation and claimed it violates a recent agreement between the two South American countries. In a televised address, Maduro stated that 6,000 Venezuelan troops, including air and naval forces, will conduct joint operations off the nation’s eastern coast, near the border with Guyana. He emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue but also warned that no one will be allowed to threaten his country.
The border dispute centers around the Essequibo region, a sparsely populated area roughly the size of Florida with significant oil reserves. Venezuela has long claimed the region as its own, but Guyana has maintained control for decades. The two countries signed an agreement in December, pledging to resolve their differences peacefully. However, tensions escalated when Venezuela held a referendum in which citizens were asked whether the Essequibo should become a Venezuelan state.
Guyana’s officials described the visit of HMS Trent as a planned operation aimed at improving the nation’s defense capabilities and assured that the ship’s presence would not threaten Venezuela. Guyana’s Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo stressed that nothing the nation does is intended to harm Venezuela. The UK’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the ship would be conducting joint operations with Guyana’s defense forces.
HMS Trent is a patrol and rescue ship capable of accommodating 30 sailors and 18 marines, equipped with 30mm cannons and a landing pad for helicopters and drones. The UK initially sent the ship to Barbados to intercept drug traffickers, but its mission was redirected to Guyana in December. Authorities did not provide a timeline for the ship’s arrival off Guyana’s shores. Guyana, a nation of approximately 800,000 people, has a small military comprising 3,000 soldiers, 200 sailors, and four small patrol boats known as Barracudas.