US issues stark warning to Venezuela: Attack Guyana, and ‘it won’t end well’

By Kurt Campbell

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In a sharp and unequivocal warning, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear that any aggressive actions by Venezuela against Guyana or its key oil partner ExxonMobil would be met with dire consequences.

Speaking during a joint press conference with President Irfaan Ali in Georgetown on Thursday, Rubio stressed that such an act would result in a “very bad day” for Venezuela, one that would not end well for the regime.

“If they were to attack Guyana or attack ExxonMobil, or anything like that, it would be a very bad day—or a very bad week—for them. It would not end well,” Rubio remarked, not revealing specifics but underscoring that the US would take appropriate action.

His comments followed growing concerns over Venezuela’s territorial claims on the Essequibo region, a rich area in natural resources that has long been a source of tension between the two countries.

Rubio noted the US’s commitment to ensuring Guyana’s sovereignty, asserting that such an attack would be “a big mistake” for Venezuela, adding that the US military, particularly the Navy, was more than capable of responding if needed.

Rubio further highlighted that while the US doesn’t engage in threats, the presence of a powerful navy meant that it could act swiftly to defend its interests and those of its partners around the world.

READ MORE:U.S. Navy, GDF conduct joint exercises in Guyana’s EEZ 

“We have a big navy, and it can get almost anywhere. We have commitments that exist today with Guyana, and we want to build on those,” he said. “If that regime were to do something such as that, it would be a very bad move.”

Rubio spoke of the transformative opportunities available to Guyana, particularly in sectors like energy, agriculture, and data technology, areas where he sees potential for both economic growth and regional influence.

“This country has an opportunity to transform. That is rare in the history of nations,” he remarked.

But the key to that future, Rubio noted, is security—something the US is committed to helping Guyana ensure. The threat of transnational crime and destabilising forces from neighbouring Venezuela is a significant concern, especially in light of organised gangs and narco-trafficking.

Rubio stressed that preventing these threats from taking root in Guyana was a priority. He pointed to the need for a strong partnership to fend off the potential spread of organised crime and territorial disputes.

“There will be consequences for adventurism. There will be consequences for aggressive actions,” Rubio warned, referring to Venezuela’s ongoing illegal territorial claims over the Essequibo region.

The US Secretary of State’s comments reflect broader US interests in the Caribbean Basin, with Rubio explaining that stability in Guyana could have positive ripple effects across the region.

“Prosperity can become contagious, just like instability can. Stability and prosperity can spread throughout the region,” he said. “This will not just help Guyana, it will help your neighbours and ultimately make life in America safer and more prosperous as well.”

Rubio reinforced the US’s commitment to Guyana, particularly in fostering long-term prosperity and preventing any external threats from derailing the country’s growth.

“We want to make sure that illegitimate territorial claims do not impede your right to develop this country,” he concluded. “You have our full commitment and support.”