Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered a defensive measure in the Atlantic Ocean in response to the arrival of a British warship off the coast of Guyana, reigniting tensions between South American countries engaged in a territorial dispute.
“I have ordered the activation of a joint operation of all Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) in the Eastern Caribbean of Venezuela on the Atlantic Front, a joint action of a defensive nature in response to the provocation and threat posed by the United Kingdom against the peace and sovereignty of our country.”
The announcement was made in front of the military leadership at a meeting, necessarily broadcast on radio and television, during which he communicated with a group of military personnel who were providing assistance. “the first phase” of this operation, which consisted of an operation on land and water in the state of Sucre (Northeast).
“Venezuela cannot stand idly by and perceive a threat”
Maduro did not provide details on the scope and duration of this operation, but emphasized that the arrival of the British HMS Trent represented an “unacceptable threat” and a “violation” of the agreements he signed with his Guyanese counterpart Irfaan Ali on December 14. , promised not to threaten each other and to avoid incidents related to the dispute.
“Venezuela cannot stand idly by in the face of a threat, we will respond appropriately,” he assured, reiterating his commitment to diplomacy and peace.
The Chavista leader criticized Guyana for ignoring Venezuela’s demands not to accept the arrival of the British ship on its shores.
Minutes earlier, the Venezuelan government condemned this in a statement calling on Guyana to “take immediate measures to remove the ship and not to further involve the military forces in the controversy.”
The dispute worsened after Venezuela agreed in a unilateral referendum on December 3 to annex the disputed territory, an area of almost 160,000 square kilometers under the control of Guyana and whose dispute is before the International Court of Justice. . Justice. . (EFE)
Source: La Neta Neta
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
