CARICOM has taken a firm stand against the recent incursion by a Venezuelan military vessel into waters off Guyana’s Stabroek Block—a key oil production area. In a statement issued amid rising tensions, the Caribbean bloc urged Venezuela to immediately withdraw its vessel from Guyanese territorial waters and cease any further provocative maneuvers.

They remind that “ All such acts of aggression and provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration”. The organisation stressed that both sides must now exercise patience, calm, and restraint to ensure a peaceful resolution.

The Government of Guyana has summoned the Venezuelan ambassador and lodged formal protests after a Venezuelan military vessel was spotted near drill ships operating in the Stabroek Block—a key oil production area.

President Irfaan Ali explained in a broadcast that international partners, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, the Regional Security System, and CARICOM, have been promptly contacted and have responded positively. He also noted that Guyana has reaffirmed its close military and diplomatic cooperation with Brazil. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ralph Gonzales—serving as CARICOM chair and interlocutor in the Argyle Agreement—is in discussions with Caracas.

“The Defence Board is meeting and will continue to be meeting throughout the course of today. The military leadership will have already met and we have already deployed air assets. We have already deployed air assets within our exclusive economic zone and within our exclusive waters. The Coast Guard is also in the process of being deployed,” Ali explained.

Ali also said he has spoken to the leader of the opposition and briefed him on the initial circumstances and planned to formally advise the International Court of Justice of this incident.

Meanwhile, according to international reports, the Venezuelan government denied the allegations. In a statement circulated via Telegram, officials claimed that the disputed waters are “not part of Guyana’s territory” but instead constitute a maritime zone pending delimitation under international law. They also accused President Ali of making false claims regarding their naval actions.