USA wants to show presence over Guyana with air force
Venezuela wants to annex large parts of Guyana. The country fears an invasion. Brazil shares this concern. Now Washington is reacting by sending fighter jets to send a signal of strength.
In view of the escalating conflict between Guyana and neighboring Venezuela, the US armed forces want to show their presence by flying over Guyana's territory. "The US will continue its commitment as a reliable security partner to Guyana and promote regional cooperation," the US military's Southern Command announced. The flights are part of "routine engagements and operations".
Venezuela claims Guyana's resource-rich Essequibo region for itself. The covetousness increased in particular after the oil company ExxonMobil discovered an oil deposit in the area in 2015. In October, another significant oil discovery was made in the region, increasing Guyana's reserves to at least ten billion barrels - more than those of oil-rich Kuwait or the United Arab Emirates.
Venezuela recently emphasized its demand with a controversial referendum. In the non-binding referendum on Sunday, 96 percent of participants were in favor of creating a new Venezuelan state called Guayana Esequiba and granting Venezuelan citizenship to the population there.
Brazil expresses concern
Guyana's government described the referendum as a threat to security and peace in the country. The Essequibo region, which covers around 160,000 square kilometers, makes up around two thirds of Guyana's territory. "We are also preparing for the worst-case scenario. We are preparing with our allies and friends to ensure that we are able to defend what is ours, the Essequibo," Guyana's President Ali said in an interview with the US broadcaster CBS. Guyana is one of the poorest countries in South America and has a population of around 800,000.
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also expressed increasing "concern" about the tensions at the borders in the north of his country. At a meeting of the South American Mercosur states, Lula said: "If there is one thing we do not want here in South America, it is war." The Brazilian army announced on Wednesday that it would increase its presence in the cities of Pacaraima and Boa Vista in the north of the country in order to "guarantee the inviolability of the territory".
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In light of Venezuela's assertion of its claims over Guyana's Essequibo region, the US military is enhancing its presence in the region by conducting aerial operations. This serves to reassure Guyana and demonstrate the US's commitment to regional stability during these uncertain times. Additionally, Brazil, sharing similar concerns, has increased its military presence in border cities to safeguard its territory and prevent any potential escalation of the Wars and conflicts between Guyana and Venezuela.
Source: www.ntv.de
