GDF vigilant, determined to defend Guyana’s sovereignty – Army Chief

Despite coming under several attacks earlier this year, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, on Thursday said that soldiers are now even more determined and vigilant in serving and protecting Guyana’s sovereignty.
Brigadier Khan made the remarks on Thursday while delivering an address at the GDF’s Base Camp Stephenson Christmas luncheon.
The attacks on GDF officers earlier this year have not deterred soldiers but have instead strengthened their determination and vigilance to protect the country’s sovereignty.
“The year 2025 has been a challenging one on many fronts. But unlike previous years, this year saw our forces being ambushed, attacked, fired upon, and in the process, several of our ranks have been injured… This did not deter us in any way. If anything else, we came out stronger, braver, more determined, more resolute, and ever so vigilant. We continue to train hard and execute duties with passion,” he said.
On February 17, six GDF members aboard an army patrol boat on the Cuyuni River came under fire from suspected members of the Syndicato Gang near the Guyana–Venezuela border. There were no fatalities, and the injured soldiers were airlifted to the city for medical treatment.
Three months later, in May, the army reported that armed men in civilian clothing on the Venezuelan shore along the Cuyuni River carried out three separate attacks within a 24-hour period on Guyanese troops conducting riverine patrols.
Brigadier Khan said the GDF stood steadfast and resolute against these threats and was fully prepared moving forward – a resolve that has been bolstered by the acquisition of new assets.

Investments in hardware and capacity
“Equally, we continue to invest in modern tools for our soldiers to operate in the execution of their missions. In this regard – and on your direction, Commanding Chief – major hardware acquisition continues in the air, land, and sea domains to bolster our capabilities. As you heard earlier; two new helicopters were added just recently, bringing our total air assets to nine aircraft, the most in recent history, at least in the last four decades.”
A refurbished hangar at Ogle and another currently under construction at Timehri will significantly enhance rapid deployment capabilities and strategic reach to conduct special operations and search-and-rescue missions.
Such operations bode well for regional partnerships. In the maritime domain, the GDF is expected to receive its largest ship in 2026. In the meantime, the Coast Guard has continued to assert its presence, including through the participation of the GDFS Shahood in Exercise Tradewinds in Trinidad earlier this year.
In addition to these investments, heavy emphasis has been placed on training and capacity building within the GDF.
“We continue to focus heavily on this strategic resource through training, both conventional and specialist. Over 900 ranks were trained locally and overseas. And for the first time, we have a Lance Corporal completing a degree programme at the university level. Give yourselves a round of applause,” he said.

GDF support
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, congratulated Commander-in-Chief President Dr Irfaan Ali on the commencement of his second term in office, while commending the President for his continued support of the nation’s soldiers and the wider Defence Force.
Brigadier Khan highlighted that under President Ali’s directive, five new medals were introduced in recognition of the service and sacrifices of soldiers who successfully completed special missions. These include operations in engineering, search and rescue, special operations, joint operations, and disaster relief. He noted that since November of this year, every serving member of the force would wear at least one medal, symbolising performance, dedication, and the effective execution of duties.
Reflecting on the past year, Brigadier Khan stated that despite numerous challenges, the Defence Force remained steadfast, disciplined, and prepared to confront future responsibilities. He emphasised that the force continued to serve the nation with resolve and professionalism.
In closing, the Chief of Staff invited President Ali to address the soldiers, outlining his vision and acknowledging the investments and support provided since 2020 toward strengthening the Defence Force and safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity.