Venezuela concentrates troops near the border with Guyana

10 February, 2024 Military of Venezuela. February 2024. Photo credits: @dhernandezlarez

Satellite images show that Venezuela is building up its military presence near the border with Guyana. At the same time, the country promised to seek a diplomatic solution to the territorial dispute over Esequiba, an oil-rich region recognized as Guyana's territory. Maxar's January imagery showed the expansion of operations at the Venezuelan military base on Anacoco Island, located on the border river with Guyana.

Several areas of the rainforest there have recently been cut down and others bulldozed. Images also show new infrastructure and several armored vehicles present on site. A helicopter and improved access roads are visible on the military base's runway.

To the north of the base, at a river crossing, a heavy crossing is visible. Large swaths of rainforest have been cleared there.

Satellite imagery of Venezuelan forces' positions on the island of Anacoco, located on the river bordering Guyana. Photo credits: Maxar Technologies

Satellite imagery of Venezuelan forces' positions on the island of Anacoco, located on the river bordering Guyana.

Photo credits: Maxar Technologies

Satellite imagery of Venezuelan forces' positions on the island of Anacoco, located on the river bordering Guyana. Photo credits: Maxar Technologies

Satellite imagery of Venezuelan forces' positions on the island of Anacoco, located on the river bordering Guyana. Photo credits: Maxar Technologies

On the side of the road, large storages of what looks like construction materials are visible, as well as three armored vehicles.

In January, Venezuela boasted of expanding its military presence in the region in propaganda videos showing bulldozers clearing land, light tanks and infantry fighting vehicles on the move, and helicopters. The current dispute over Esequiba dates back to about 1899.

Back then, a tribunal was held in Paris to determine the borders when Guyana was a British colony. But the Venezuelans did not participate in the tribunal, and many of them consider this decision unfair. They also say that Esequiba was part of Venezuela during the Spanish Empire.

The case is currently being considered by the International Court of Justice, although Venezuela says it does not have the authority to rule on the matter. The court has warned Venezuela not to take any action that could change the status quo in Esequiba. The discovery of oil in the waters off the Esequiba coast in 2015 helped fuel the dispute.

Tensions escalated further last year in September, when Guyana held an auction for licenses to explore these waters.

Essequibo on the map

On December 4, 2023, Venezuela held a referendum regarding Venezuela's claim over the Esequiba.

The Venezuelan authorities stated that more than 95% of voters approved the control of the region by Guyana.