Venezuela claims territory of Essequibo, belonging to Guyana, after discovery of oil reserves

Essequibo is a territory that belongs to Guyana, but claimed by Venezuela. Caracas formalized this claim in 2023, when then-president Nicolás Maduro held a referendum to incorporate the region and enacted a law creating a province of the country in the territory.

From then on, the Chevista regime began to adopt an official map showing Essequibo as part of Venezuela.

Located in the westernmost part of Guyana's territory, the Essequibo region occupies 159 thousand km² and represents around 70% of the country's territory. It is an area larger than the state of Ceará and England.

In 2015, large oil reserves were found in the region. It is estimated that Guyana has the equivalent of 11 billion barrels, a significant part of which is "offshore", that is, at sea, near Essequibo. As a result of the oil boom, Guyana is the South American country whose economy has grown the most in recent years.

However, the region became coveted by the Venezuelan government, which claims to have rights to the territory. On December 3, a plebiscite for the annexation of the state called by Venezuelans "Guiana Essequiba" was approved by 95% of voters present. The turnout is equivalent to half of Venezuelan voters.

In a state of alert, the Armed Forces increased the presence of Brazilian military personnel on the two borders with Venezuela and Guyana. This is because it would be necessary for Venezuelan troops to pass through the north of Roraima in the event of a confrontation. Brazilian territory borders both Guyana and Venezuela.

Tensions continued to escalate. On December 7, the United States announced military exercises in Guyana, including in Essequibo. The following day, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro signed decrees to incorporate the territory.