A Venezuelan patrol ship entered Guyana’s waters on Saturday near an Exxon Mobil-contracted vessel in the Stabroek oil block but has since left, according to the Guyana Defence Force. Stabroek, a major oil field with 11 billion barrels of recoverable resources, is in waters partially claimed by Venezuela. In 2023, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro heightened tensions by pushing a referendum on claiming part of Guyana. Brigadier Omar Khan confirmed the vessel remains in Guyana’s waters but appears to be heading toward Venezuela.
The U.S. State Department condemned Venezuela’s actions as unacceptable, warning of consequences for the Maduro regime. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali stated that the Venezuelan patrol ship radioed a message claiming the waters were disputed before moving toward other vessels. During the incursion, it also approached multiple assets in Guyana’s exclusive waters, including Exxon’s FPSO Prosperity.
Exxon discovered the Stabroek oil block in 2015, but the century-old territorial dispute escalated as Maduro sought support for his re-election, which was widely criticized as fraudulent. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez dismissed Guyana’s claims, calling President Irfaan Ali “the Caribbean Zelensky” and insisting the waters remain disputed. The Guyana Defence Force continues monitoring the Venezuelan vessel, having deployed aircraft and a Coast Guard ship to the area. Exxon has not commented.
President Irfaan Ali informed lawmakers and international partners, including the U.S., about Venezuela’s actions. The Organization of American States condemned Venezuela’s naval threats against Exxon-operated units, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
Guyana has summoned Venezuela’s ambassador and plans to send a formal protest to Caracas.Stabroek produces 650,000 barrels of oil daily and holds major gas reserves. In 2023, Guyana’s oil block plans reignited its border dispute with Venezuela. Trump plans to revoke Chevron’s Venezuela license, but Maduro insists the country doesn’t rely on the U.S.
