In the midst of growing tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the disputed border territory of Essequibo, Washington is betting on military diplomacy in the hope of minimizing the chances of an armed conflict in South America.
The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) issued a statement announcing that, together with the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), it will conduct flight operations inside Guyana on December 7. «This exercise builds on regular engagements and operations to enhance the U.S.-Guyana security partnership and strengthen regional cooperation.»
In collaboration with the @GDFGuyana, @Southcom will conduct flight operations within Guyana on December 7. Read more: https://t.co/dDxWDTbtoq pic.twitter.com/n6slaTKiQ5
— U.S. Embassy Guyana (@EmbassyGuyana) December 7, 2023
In addition to this exercise, USSOUTHCOM pledges to continue its collaboration with the GDF in the areas of natural and humanitarian disaster preparedness, aviation and maritime security, and combating transnational criminal organizations.
«The United States will maintain its commitment as Guyana’s trusted security partner and will foster regional cooperation and interoperability,» reads the official statement from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana.
See also: Venezuela’s Bold Display of Airpower with Sukhoi Fighters Amidst Rising Guyana Border Conflict
The US dissuasive action comes at the same time as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s resolution to annex the disputed region of Esequibo, (where huge oil reserves were found years ago) and the proposed law for the creation of the provincial state of «Guayana Esequiba».
The Caracas plan of action includes the creation of the «Command of the Operational Zone of Integral Defense of Guayana Esequiba» and the granting of licenses for the oil exploitation of the prospective oil fields.
Atendiendo la voluntad del pueblo de Venezuela expresada el pasado #3Dic en el Referéndum Consultivo y cumpliendo instrucciones de mi CJ @NicolasMaduro hemos firmado el día de hoy las respectivas resoluciones ministeriales en la que se designan a los señores Generales que estarán… pic.twitter.com/MR0vl5E9w9
— Vladimir Padrino L. (@vladimirpadrino) December 7, 2023
Although there are those who maintain that everything is mainly a propaganda action designed for the internal consumption of the followers of President Maduro’s government, military «raid» actions through the infiltration of heliborne commandos to attack specific targets should not be ruled out yet.
Este tipo de agresión física, no verbal, si las admite la OEA ONU OTAN y como EEUU si paga su membrecía, salen a aplaudir en vez de sensurar una acción bélica directa de este tipo. Porque carajo no van a hacer esos ejercicios a la frontera Rusa con Ukranian.