GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has stepped up its presence along the Cuyuni River with intensified patrols and measures to secure the nation’s borders following recent attacks on its troops.

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, said the GDF is equipped and ready to respond to any potential aggression by Venezuela.

He was speaking in the wake of three separate incidents in which armed men in civilian clothing, located on the Venezuelan side between Eteringbang and Makapa along the Cuyuni River, attacked GDF troops conducting riverine patrols.

Brigadier Khan reaffirmed that the entire Cuyuni River is Guyanese territory, and therefore both the GDF and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have full authority to patrol, stop, and search anyone navigating those waters.

“Since the first incident, the GDF has heightened its operational posture and implemented drills designed to mitigate and respond effectively to such incidents. These drills have been executed successfully,” Brigadier Khan stated.

He noted that previously, there was no need for troops to stop and search vessels in the area. However, due to the recent attacks, such procedures will now be enforced.

Brigadier Khan identified Baboon, the area where the armed Venezuelan civilians are reportedly based, as notorious for intercepting civilian boats and extorting money for safe passage. He noted that the location is far from populated areas, as no gunshots were heard in Makapa, which is roughly 20 kilometres away.

While acknowledging that the incidents have raised concerns in border communities, Brigadier Khan said that during his visit to four such villages, residents expressed relief at the increased military presence rather than fear.

There are 13 villages along the Cuyuni River, and GDF personnel are stationed in almost all of them.

Brigadier Khan also warned that any Guyanese who participates in elections organised by the Venezuelan regime will be treated as engaging in a coup and will be arrested. Venezuelan nationals living in Guyana who take part in such elections will likewise be arrested and deported.

He assured the public that the GDF will continue patrolling the area and eliminating any threats to citizens.

“Under the Defence Act Chapter 15:01, we have an obligation as soldiers and members of the Guyana Defence Force to protect our territorial integrity and our people. This is a mission we take seriously, and we will continue to patrol that same area and to eliminate any threat to our people and any incursion into our territory,” Brigadier Khan said.

He stressed that the GDF is prepared for any eventuality.