No breach of Guyana’s sovereignty will be tolerated – GDF Chief warns

…after Venezuelan gunmen attack 3 separate troops patrolling Cuyuni River

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, on Thursday declared that while the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) expects no violation of the country’s sovereignty by neighbouring Venezuela, it remains fully mobilised and prepared to respond to any threat.

His comment was made during a press briefing at Base Camp Ayanganna following three separate armed attacks on GDF troops within a 24-hour period along the Cuyuni River between Eteringbang and Makapa.
The first attack occurred on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at around 17:17h. The troops on patrol had departed Eteringbang and were travelling to OP Makapa when armed men on the Venezuelan shore opened fire on them using automatic weapons.
Then on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at around 14:35h, another patrol departed OP Makapa and was going to an area called Black Water when armed men on the Venezuelan border again opened fire on the patrol, using automatic weapons. Again, fire was returned and no one soldier was injured.
Three hours later, another patrol travelling from Eteringbang, while passing the same location, came under fire and they returned fire.
According to Brigadier Khan, though no serious injuries were reported, the attacks — described as deliberate and provocative – have heightened concerns along the border, prompting strengthened patrols and renewed assurances from the GDF that all measures are in place to safeguard Guyana’s territorial integrity and the safety of its border communities.
In this regard, Khan has assured that GDF ranks are deployed along the border with Venezuela, and remain on high alert.
“We share the border with Venezuela. We expect Venezuela not to violate our sovereignty, but we are prepared for any eventuality, that’s why we continue to patrol the entire border…The residents in the community – I would tell you, because of where they are – there’s no major threatening activity that occurred. This particular location, Baboon, is in a part of the river that no one is living within 50 kilometres, I would say,” Chief of Defence Staff Khan explained.
Nevertheless, the Chief of Defence Staff has warned of serious implications for any Guyanese citizen who participates in Venezuela’s planned election for Essequibo region: two-thirds of the country’s landmass.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan nationals seeking refuge in Guyana are facing deportation if found being a willing participant of the election slated for May 25.
“The Guyana Defence Force is not a force of uniform alone. You are part of the Guyana Defence Force. Every citizen. And we have been receiving information from the general public along our border communities, in Georgetown, give information that we have acted on and will continue to act on. So, someone participating in such an election will eventually get to us”, he explained.
“Once we’ve got knowledge of it, we arrest you and deport you. Yes. Venezuelans. You can’t vote in a country of yours and come to our country and believe everything will be okay? I think we are peaceful enough to understand that we know where you’re coming from, because for whatever reason and for a betterment in Guyana,” he added.
While Khan declined to disclose troop numbers or tactical specifics, he emphasised that the GDF is continually enhancing its posture and preparedness. Patrols are being maintained by both infantry and Coast Guard units, and the military is working closely with the Guyana Police Force and international partners.
He also assured border residents that there was no immediate threat to civilian populations, as the attacks occurred in remote and uninhabited areas.