U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed a stern response if Venezuela attacks Guyana amid territorial disputes over oil resources. Rubio discussed repercussions for Venezuela, while Guyana’s President Ali welcomed U.S. assurances of support. The U.S. seeks to diminish energy reliance on Venezuela and has signed a security agreement with Guyana to enhance military cooperation, amid escalating tensions.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the United States would mount a robust response should Venezuela launch an attack on Guyana, amidst an ongoing territorial dispute involving significant oil and gas reserves. Rubio warned that such an event would lead to a “very bad day” for Venezuela.
During his Caribbean tour, Rubio met with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Georgetown before proceeding to Suriname. This visit comes as the Trump administration seeks to enhance engagement in the Western Hemisphere, promoting energy independence and combating illegal activities such as drug trafficking and gang violence.
At a joint press conference, Rubio declared, “The regional threats are based on illegitimate territorial claims by a narco-trafficking regime,” emphasizing that there will be repercussions for any aggressive actions. He added that an attack on Guyana or ExxonMobil would lead to severe consequences for Venezuela.
President Ali expressed appreciation for the U.S. commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty, stating, “I am very pleased at the reassurance of the U.S. in ensuring the safeguard of our territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Guyana’s offshore oil potential plays a critical role in the U.S. strategy to reduce reliance on Venezuelan energy, which has been subjected to extensive sanctions by the Trump administration. Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have been strained, particularly following a Venezuelan naval vessel’s incursion in areas where ExxonMobil operates.
This month, Guyana reported a Venezuelan ship’s close passage to vessels associated with Exxon and its partners, which are developing oil fields in the Stabroek Block, containing approximately 11 billion barrels of oil. In response, the U.S. implemented stringent sanctions, including tariffs on goods from countries importing Venezuelan oil.
Rubio also finalized a security agreement with Guyana’s foreign minister to bolster intelligence sharing and military cooperation. This agreement coincided with joint military exercises between the U.S. Navy and Guyanese naval forces. The U.S. naval cruiser USS Normandy participated in trainings aimed at safeguarding Guyana’s maritime sovereignty and enhancing regional security.
Since ExxonMobil discovered significant oil reserves in Guyana in 2015, Venezuela has intensified claims to the Essequibo region, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. Venezuelan officials have branded Guyana’s oil field development as “illegal.” Guyana recently announced joint naval exercises with the U.S. Navy, further solidifying military collaboration between the two nations.
In conclusion, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated a commitment to defending Guyana from Venezuelan aggression, emphasizing the consequences for Venezuela should an attack occur. The U.S. administration continues to prioritize strengthening ties with Guyana, particularly in light of the emerging oil industry and ongoing territorial disputes. Furthermore, military collaborations and security agreements signify a strengthened partnership aimed at ensuring regional stability and security against Venezuelan threats.
Original Source: www.military.com
