Six soldiers injured in armed attack by suspected Sindicato members

Six members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sustained gunshot wounds following an armed attack near Black Water Mouth, Cuyuni River, on February 17, 2025. According to a police statement, the GDF team, en route from the Eteringbang GDF base to the Makapa GDF Observation Post to deliver supplies, came under fire from two wooden boats carrying heavily armed, masked men, believed to be associated with the sindicatos gang.

The injured personnel included Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray, who was shot in the right side of his head; Sgt Kevon Davis, who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Cpl Andrew Fraser, who sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen and shoulder; Cpl Kevin Henry, who was injured in the left arm and shoulder; L/Cpl Travis Yorrick, who was shot in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel, who was wounded in the right side of his abdomen. Despite their injuries, all personnel were conscious and stable at the time of the incident.

The attack occurred around 15:45hrs, as the GDF boat, a thirty-foot canoe powered by a 185-horsepower Yamaha engine, was intercepted by the assailants. The attackers circled the GDF boat and opened fire, prompting a return of fire from the GDF ranks. The exchange resulted in the attackers retreating, but not before the injuries were sustained.

Medical treatment was administered by GDF medic L/Cpl Melville at the nearby Makapa GDF Observation Post. An investigation into the attack is currently ongoing, police say.