Venezuela’s ambassador summoned; Guyana strongly condemns attack on GDF supply vessel

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd, today summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez, to condemn and demand redress for Monday’s armed attack on a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) supply vessel in Guyanese waters.
The attack, which took place between Eteringbang and Makapa, was carried out by a group of heavily armed men firing from Venezuelan territory. Six GDF troops sustained gunshot wounds, with some requiring medical evacuation for treatment. While there were no fatalities, the Government of Guyana has launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the attackers are members of Venezuelan criminal gangs, which operate with impunity along Venezuela’s side of the border.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Minister Todd conveyed Guyana’s outrage over the attack and held Venezuela responsible.
“He reminded the ambassador that, under international law, Venezuela is responsible for any harm caused to Guyana or its nationals by persons acting from Venezuelan territory, including private individuals unaffiliated with the Venezuelan government or armed forces,” the statement said.
Minister Todd also called on Venezuela to fulfil its international obligations by ensuring its territory is not used to harm a neighbouring state. He further urged Venezuela to eliminate the presence of criminal gangs in the border region and prevent future attacks on Guyana.
“Noting that Venezuela maintains a significant military presence in the region, despite the absence of a security threat from Guyana, the minister insisted that Venezuela deploy these assets against the criminal gangs within its territory that pose a threat to both states,” the statement added.
The Foreign Minister also voiced concern over the ambassador’s failure to denounce the attack and Venezuela’s failure thus far to take action to pursue, apprehend, or bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Inaction,” he warned, “is complicity, and Guyana will not hesitate to fully exercise its rights under international law to hold Venezuela accountable.”
Caption: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd meeting with Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Perez