The U.S. warned Venezuela of consequences if military threats to ExxonMobil’s FPSO continue. Guyana’s government confirmed Venezuelan forces have left the Stabroek Block, amidst ongoing territorial disputes. The U.S. supports Guyana’s sovereignty, and President Irfaan Ali affirmed the nation will defend its territorial integrity with international backing. The situation is being reviewed by the International Court of Justice.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the United States State Department issued warnings to Venezuela regarding military threats posed to ExxonMobil’s Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and violations of Guyana’s territorial borders. The department indicated that continued provocations would lead to unspecified consequences for the Maduro administration. The Bureau of Western Hemispheric Affairs communicated this stance via social media, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation without disclosing further details.
Notably, Guyanese officials reported that Venezuelan military vessels recently departed the Stabroek Block, where they had claimed that the FPSO Prosperity was operating in disputed waters. Currently, Guyana produces 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with expectations to significantly increase gas production from the Longtail field.
The United States condemned Venezuela’s actions as unacceptable, underlining the violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime boundaries. The U.S. affirmed its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and referenced the 1899 arbitral award that settled the territorial dispute. President Irfaan Ali publicly declared that Guyana would not permit any infringement upon its sovereignty by Maduro’s regime, stressing the nation’s resolve backed by international support.
In response to the threats, Guyanese forces, including aircraft and Coast Guard assets, were deployed to the relevant area. President Ali expressed appreciation for the solidarity from the international community, emphasizing a commitment to peaceful resolutions and international law. The ongoing territorial dispute is currently under examination by the International Court of Justice to verify the legitimacy of the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal’s Award.
The Organization of American States condemned Venezuela for its recent aggression against Guyana. President Ali notified several nations and organizations, including the United Kingdom, United States, France, Brazil, and the Caribbean Community, regarding the military incursion that began early Saturday and lasted for several hours. Furthermore, the Secretaries General of the OAS, Commonwealth, and United Nations were made aware of the situation.
The United States has taken a firm stance against Venezuela’s military threats to ExxonMobil’s FPSO, reaffirming support for Guyana’s territorial integrity. President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to protecting sovereignty, aided by international support, underscores the seriousness of this geopolitical concern. The ongoing dispute between Guyana and Venezuela remains under judicial review, highlighting the importance of international law in resolving such conflicts.
Original Source: demerarawaves.com
