US will defend Guyana against Venezuela’s aggression – Ambassador Theriot

In light of the Nicholas Maduro regime’s continued aggression towards Guyana, the United States has made it clear that it is fully prepared to defend the country against Venezuela’s threats to its territory and sovereignty.

This message was reaffirmed on Thursday by US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot.

“Clearly, we support Guyana 100% against this aggression that is unacceptable and we won’t allow Venezuela to threaten Guyana’s territory or sovereignty,” the US diplomat told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

“We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana in supporting you and defending you,” Ambassador Theriot added.

On March 1, there was an incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, where over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent have been discovered by United States oil major ExxonMobil, which is currently conducting production and exploration activities in the oil-rich Stabroek Block.

The crew onboard the Venezuelan naval vessel communicated threateningly via radio that ExxonMobil was operating in Venezuela’s territory.

Moreover, just a few weeks prior, six members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) came under attack by Venezuelan men on the border. The February 17, 2025, attack injured the six troops – all with gunshot wounds.

Initial reports had indicated that some of the Venezuelan men died, after Guyana’s soldiers returned fire.

And now, Venezuela has indicated its intention to unlawfully hold elections for Guyana’s Essequibo region – to elect a governor and other leaders. The unlawful elections are scheduled for May 25.

Last week, Guyana wrote the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to block Venezuela’s attempt to conduct these elections.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn has since warned that anyone in the country, especially Guyanese, who are caught supporting Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro’s unlawful attempt to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region, will be charged.