Guyana expresses outrage, demands redress from Venezuela for attack on soldiers

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez, to express outrage over the attack on six Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers. The soldiers were targeted by suspected sindicato operatives while navigating in Guyana’s waters.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday afternoon reports have indicated that at least one member of the sindicato gang, that attack the soldiers, has died.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, also on Tuesday confirmed that an evaluation of the situation is underway as he underscored the severity of the situation.
“We are taking this very seriously, [because] even if it is an armed gang or other organizations that operate on the Venezuela side on the border this is serious. This is serious because they fired on ranks in uniform,” President Ali said on Tuesday, as he responded to questions on the issue during the Energy Conference at the Marriott Hotel.

“Sometime later today [Tuesday] we will be in a position to have more details on what actually occurred. Let’s get the evaluation and then we will discuss further what is important for our protection of our men and women in uniform and also of our sovereignty.”

Gratitude to servicemen
Earlier on Tuesday, President Ali also shared his concerns on social media, expressing his deep concerns about the well-being of the soldiers who were injured in the attack, noting that he had spoken with the soldiers commending their bravery and unwavering dedication to national service. He expressed gratitude for their service and assured them of the nation’s full support. The soldiers, who were injured during the attack, are reported to be in good spirits.
“I expressed my gratitude for their service at our borders and assured them of the nation’s support and my concern for their well-being. They are in good spirits. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families,” the President said.

The incident occurred near Black Water Mouth in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), when a GDF resupply patrol came under heavy gunfire. While there were no fatalities, the soldiers sustained various gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical treatment. The GDF stated that the injured personnel were transferred to Georgetown for immediate care, and their families have been kept informed.
In a statement on Tuesday the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) noted that the soldiers were being evacuated to Georgetown for immediate follow up care, with all necessary measures being taken to ensure that they receive the best possible treatment. The families of the affected ranks have been contacted and are being kept updated on their conditions.

Duty to prevent
During his meeting with Ambassador Perez, Minister Todd reminded him that Venezuela is responsible for any harm caused to Guyana or its nationals by individuals acting from Venezuelan territory. He stressed Venezuela’s duty to prevent the use of its territory for harm and to eliminate criminal gangs operating in the border region.
Reminding that Venezuela maintains a significant military presence in the region, despite the absence of a security threat from Guyana, the Minister insisted that Venezuela deploy these assets against the criminal gangs within its territory that constitute a threat to both States.
Todd also criticized Venezuela’s failure to denounce Monday’s incident and take action against the perpetrators of the attack. He warned that “inaction is complicity” and that Guyana would hold Venezuela accountable under international law.
“Guyana will not hesitate to fully exercise its rights under international law to hold Venezuela accountable,” Minister Todd said.
According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the attack occurred around 15:45h when the GDF team, traveling by boat from Eteringbang to Makapa to deliver supplies, was intercepted by two wooden boats carrying armed, masked men. The attackers circled the GDF vessel before opening fire. Despite successfully repelling the attackers, several GDF members sustained gunshot wounds.
Injured soldiers include Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray (head), Sergeant Kevon Davis (foot and ankle), Corporals Andrew Fraser (abdomen and shoulder), Kevin Henry (left arm and shoulder), Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick (thigh), and Private Ezron Samuel (abdomen). All personnel are stable and received immediate medical care at Makapa GDF Observation Post.
The situation remains under investigation, with Guyana demanding Venezuela take responsibility for the attack and act to prevent future incidents.