Guyana condemns armed attacks on Defence Force troops by gunmen from Venezuelan territory

The Government of Guyana has strongly condemned a series of armed attacks launched from Venezuelan territory against its Defence Force personnel in the early hours of Wednesday and Thursday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has formally protested the assaults, which were carried out by gunmen in civilian clothing near the Cuyuni River, between Eteringbang and Makapa.

According to official reports, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) came under fire in three separate incidents while conducting routine riverine patrols shortly after midnight. The attackers, believed to have crossed from the Venezuelan shore, engaged GDF troops in a coordinated series of assaults. No injuries were reported among the Guyanese ranks, as troops responded appropriately and maintained control of the situation.

In a diplomatic communication to the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Guyana demanded a thorough investigation and the swift apprehension of those responsible. The Ministry reiterated that the perpetrators must be brought to justice and that Venezuela must take concrete steps to prevent further such acts of aggression.

The Ministry recalled a previous incident on 17 February 2025, in which GDF troops were similarly attacked from across the border. Following that event, Guyana had urged Venezuela to act decisively to prevent further hostilities and to prosecute those involved. The recurrence of such attacks, the Ministry noted, is deeply troubling and unacceptable.

Guyana also announced its intention to once again bring the matter to the attention of the international community, as it did following the February incident. The Ministry, in coordination with other responsible government bodies, will continue to closely monitor developments and take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of its personnel and the defence of its territory.