President Ali says thorough evaluation underway after soldiers attacked on Cuyuni River

By Isanella Patoir

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday said a thorough probe is underway to determine the facts surrounding the Monday attack on soldiers along the Cuyuni River close to the Venezuelan border.

“We are taking this very seriously, even if, and I am not saying this is the case, we have to do the evaluation, even if it is an armed gangs or any of those organisations that operate on the Venezuela side of the border, this is serious, because they fired on ranks in uniform,” President Ali said.

The six soldiers who came under gunfire are being transported to the city for treatment.

The President spoke with reporters at the sidelines of the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

“Let us get the evaluation and then we will discuss our procedure that is important for the protection of our men and women in uniform and also of our sovereignty.”

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said the soldiers were ambushed by masked gunmen and were attacked from the Venezuelan side.

“We want to ensure they have the best care and sometime later today we are going to position to have more details of what actually occurred,” President Ali said.

Those injured are: Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray who was shot to the right side of the head; Sergeant Kevon Davis who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporal Andre Fraser who received gunshot wounds to the left side of the abdomen and shoulder; Corporal Kevin Henry who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick who was shot in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel was shot in the right side of the abdomen.

After the attack on Monday, GDF mobilised reinforcement along the Cuyuni River. GDF in a statement said the resupply vessel en route from Eteringbang to Makapa came under fire from the group of armed men.

The patrol immediately responded to the attack and engaged the assailants with return fire.

Police Headquarters reported that the armed individuals are suspected to be linked to the Sindicatos, a Venezuelan gang.

The Guyana Defence Force said it remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of all ranks and ensuring the nation’s security.