Guyanese soldiers being evacuated. Photo: Guyanese Dense Forces/Stabroek News.
Venezuela has categorically rejected the vile smear campaign promoted by the government of Guyana, particularly through its Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd, who seeks to spread a false and hostile narrative about an alleged attack against Guyanese troops.
The information was released on Tuesday, February 18, by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil through an official statement published on his Telegram channel. In the statement, Gil pointed out that this is a false flag operation and fake news designed to manipulate public opinion and divert attention from the violations of international law committed by Guyana in the disputed Essequibo territory.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Guyanese Foreign Ministry published a press release announcing the summoning of the Venezuelan ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez, and holding Venezuela responsible for the violent incident.
In its statement, Venezuela reported that it is investigating the events, and the initial findings indicate that individuals linked to illegal mining, operating in the Essequibo territory under the protection of the Guyanese army and police, were attacked and injured. These individuals are currently receiving medical attention in Venezuelan territory.
Venezuela has denounced that the Guyanese government, in its desire to cover up its illegal actions in the disputed territory, is resorting to disinformation and warmongering propaganda to justify its growing militarization, backed by the United States Southern Command. This militarization, Venezuela argues, constitutes a threat to regional peace.
Below is the full unofficial translation of the statement:
Venezuela denounces false flag operation and provocation carried out by Guyana
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects the vile setup promoted by the government of Guyana, which, through its Foreign Minister Hugh Hilton Todd, intends to spread a false, hostile, and malicious narrative about an alleged attack against Guyanese troops. This is a false flag operation and fake news designed to manipulate public opinion and divert attention from the violations of international law that Guyana is committing in the Essequibo.
Venezuela is investigating the events, and the initial findings indicate that individuals linked to illegal mining, operating in the Essequibo under the protection of the Guyanese army and police, were attacked and injured. These individuals are currently receiving medical attention in Venezuelan territory.
We denounce that the Guyanese government, in its eagerness to cover up its illegal actions in the disputed territory, is resorting to disinformation and warmongering propaganda to justify its growing militarization, backed by the United States Southern Command, which constitutes a threat to regional peace.
Venezuela demands that the Foreign Minister of Guyana cease his aggression and lies and, instead of fomenting confrontation, comply with his obligation under the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which establishes direct negotiation between the parties as the only way to resolve the territorial dispute
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its firm commitment to peace and to the restoration of its sovereign rights over Guayana Esequiba, in strict adherence to international law and historical truth.
Caracas, February 18, 2025
Guyana’s version
Earlier on Tuesday, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali informed that six Guyanese soldiers who were wounded during gunfire from the Venezuelan bank of the Cuyuni River are to be medically evacuated. Additionally, he noted that he had spoken to the soldiers and expressed gratitude for their service.
“I had the opportunity to speak with 2LT Ansel Murray, SGT Andre Frazer, SGT Kevon Davis, CPL Kevin Henry, LCPL Troy Yorrick, and PTE Ezra Samuel. 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,” reported Guyanese media.
Venezuela Urges Guyana to Negotiate: Geneva Agreement Anniversary
In what Guyanese media describes as “a major escalation” without further explanation, sources in the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) confirmed that six soldiers were injured following an ambush by two boats carrying 12 members of a Venezuelan “syndicato” gang at a location on the Cuyuni River. Two of the soldiers are said to be in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17, while the soldiers were returning to the GDF outpost in Makapa. The GDF released a statement explaining the violent clash.
The region in question is rich in diamonds and gold and is plagued by illegal miners. On both sides of the border, criminal gangs have disrupted normal life in Venezuela and Guyana. Many analysts agree that under normal diplomatic relations, as regularly advocated by Venezuelan authorities, this criminal violence could have been better addressed through security cooperation.
(Últimas Noticias) by Carlos Eduardo Sanchez with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SH
