GDF troops attacked on border with Venezuela

Last Updated on Thursday, 15 May 2025, 22:07 by Writer

Armed men dressed in civilian clothing on the Venezuelan shore along the Cuyuni River have carried out three separate attacks on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers within the past 24 hours, the GDF said early Thursday morning.

No Guyanese soldier was hurt, the GDF said.

“On each occasion, the Guyana Defence Force executed a measured response, and no rank sustained any injuries,” the GDF said.

The Force said the incidents occurred between Eteringbang and Makapa, while the Guyanese troops were conducting riverine patrols.

The GDF said it remained resolute in its mission to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its citizens and vowed to take the necessary action.

“It will continue to respond to acts of aggression along the Guyana-Venezuela border and will maintain regular patrols along the Cuyuni River,” the GDF said.

The public is assured that the GDF is taking all necessary measures to safeguard the nation’s borders and maintain peace and security within our beloved country, the GDF said.

Back in February, six GDF soldiers were injured during an exchange of gunfire with civilian-clad men on the Venezuelan side of the border.

It is believed that a number of the Venezuelan men were killed or badly injured.

The incident had occurred while the GDF soldiers were on a resupply mission from their main base at Eteringbang to their outpost at Makapa.

Venezuela did not accept responsibility for the clash, but instead blamed the GDF for illegally entering Essequibo and shooting at Venezuelans.

The Essequibo Region belongs to and is under the control of Guyana as a result of the settled land boundary by the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal.