Guyana urges Venezuela to act after armed attacks on GDF patrols along Cuyuni River

Guyana has formally urged Venezuela to take urgent steps to prevent further armed attacks on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) personnel, following recent shooting incidents involving patrols along the Cuyuni River.

In a diplomatic note dispatched through the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown on April 27, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a full investigation and stronger action to ensure that Venezuelan territory is not used to launch attacks against Guyana.

The ministry was clear in its language, stating:

“The Ministry requests that the Ministry of the People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela notify its authorities to conduct a full investigation into these incidents and to take appropriate measures to prevent Venezuelan territory from being used to carry out armed attacks against Guyanese military or civilian personnel…”

Guyana further warned against what it described as “hostile and illegal” actions targeting soldiers carrying out “their peaceful and lawful duties,” stressing that such incidents threaten lives and undermine regional peace and security.

The note also reminded Venezuela of its obligations under international law to ensure its territory is not used to carry out or enable cross-border attacks.

The diplomatic protest follows two specific incidents on April 20 and 21, 2026, along the Cuyuni River.

On April 20, a GDF patrol travelling from Eteringbang to Makapa came under fire near Black Water while on a peaceful mission. According to the ministry, gunshots were fired from an armed group operating from the Venezuelan side of the border. The patrol returned fire “in defence” before continuing its journey.

The following day, April 21, another GDF patrol in the same area was also fired upon twice—once while travelling through the region and again during its return journey. The GDF again responded with “measured defensive actions.”

Guyana has described both incidents as unprovoked attacks and is calling for Venezuela to ensure they are not repeated.

The government says it is seeking not only accountability but prevention, insisting that effective measures must be put in place to stop armed groups from using Venezuelan territory to target Guyanese forces.

The diplomatic note was not initially released publicly but later surfaced through filings linked to a US-based lobbying firm under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, bringing renewed attention to tensions along the border corridor.

Guyana is now urging restraint, investigation and concrete action from Caracas as it seeks to safeguard its border personnel and maintain stability along the Cuyuni River.