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The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, warned this Thursday that a military attack by Venezuela against Guyana or against installations of the American oil company ExxonMobil would be "a great mistake" with serious consequences for Nicolás Maduro's regime.
"It would be a very bad day for the Venezuelan regime if it attacked Guyana or ExxonMobil. And it wouldn't end well," Rubio stated during a press conference in Georgetown, alongside Guyanese President Irfaan Ali.
Rubio, who is on an official tour of Caribbean nations, reaffirmed the support of the United States for the territorial integrity of Guyana in the context of the conflict over the Esequibo territory, a large area rich in oil that is administered by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela.
"We have a large Navy and can reach any place in the world. And we have ongoing commitments with Guyana," emphasized the U.S. official, according to DW.
In this regard, the United States and Guyana signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen cooperation in security matters and tackle regional challenges, including the fight against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. This collaboration aims to strengthen and protect both the U.S. and the Caribbean.
Growing tension in Esequibo
The territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela has intensified in recent weeks, especially after Caracas announced that it will appoint a governor for the Esequibo in May, a move that Georgetown and the international community view as a provocation.
Tensions escalated further earlier this month when a Venezuelan military patrol was detected within the Stabroek Block, a maritime area where ExxonMobil operates.
Venezuela’s Response: “Old Script of Threats”
The reaction from the Venezuelan government was prompt. Foreign Minister Yván Gil categorically rejected Marco Rubio's statements, accusing him of repeating an "old script of threats and bluster."
"Venezuela does not back down in the face of intimidation, nor does it yield to blackmail," Gil stated in a message posted on his Telegram channel.
“Keep your noses out of this controversy! We will not allow you to turn this into a battleground for the interests of transnational corporations like ExxonMobil and the military-industrial complex of your country,” he added, as cited by El Comercio.
Gil defended Venezuela's position as a "historical and legitimate" claim over Esequibo, while asserting that Caracas does not seek conflict but will defend peace and national sovereignty "by all available means."
Uncertain scenario in the Caribbean
The dispute over Esequibo represents one of the most sensitive territorial conflicts on the continent, and it is now laden with geopolitical implications, with powers like the United States openly supporting Guyana and Venezuela appealing to a narrative of sovereign defense against foreign interests.
With the region in tension, any misstep could trigger a diplomatic or even military escalation, in a context where energy resources play a central role.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tension between Venezuela and Guyana
Why does Marco Rubio warn about a Venezuela attack on Guyana?
Marco Rubio warns that an attack by Venezuela on Guyana would be a "major mistake" with serious consequences for Nicolás Maduro's regime. The United States supports the territorial integrity of Guyana and has reaffirmed its commitment to defend it in the context of the dispute over the Esequibo territory.
What is the Esequibo conflict between Venezuela and Guyana?
The Esequibo conflict is a territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over a vast area rich in oil. Guyana currently administers Esequibo, but Venezuela claims it as part of its territory, leading to tensions in the region.
What measures has the United States taken to support Guyana in this conflict?
The United States has signed a memorandum of understanding with Guyana to deepen cooperation on security matters and address regional challenges, such as drug trafficking. This agreement strengthens the support of the U.S. for Guyana in the territorial dispute with Venezuela.
What has been the Venezuelan government's response to Marco Rubio's statements?
The Venezuelan government, through its Foreign Minister Yván Gil, rejected the statements made by Marco Rubio, calling them an "old script of threats." Venezuela defends its claim over the Esequibo as historic and legitimate, stating that it does not seek conflict but is prepared to defend its sovereignty.
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