Guyana has authorized the US military to conduct a demonstration flight of two F/A-18F Super Hornet jets over its capital, signaling close cooperation between the two nations amidst escalating tensions with Venezuela over a territorial dispute. The surprise maneuver comes after a recent visit by US military officials and a warning from Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro claiming a portion of Guyana's territory as its own.
Guyana's government has granted permission for the US military to fly two F/A-18F Super Hornet jets over its capital, Georgetown, in a public display of close military and diplomatic ties. The exercise, conducted with short notice, took many in Guyana by surprise, highlighting the escalating tensions between the South American nation and neighboring Venezuela.
The flyover comes amidst a simmering territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the mineral-rich Essequibo region. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro recently signed a law annexing the region, prompting Guyana to seek support from the international community. The United States has expressed its backing for Guyana in the ongoing dispute.
A statement from Guyana's government emphasized the purpose of the exercise as "deepening ongoing security cooperation" between the two countries. However, both sides carefully avoided mentioning Venezuela's annexation claims to the Essequibo region.
The US has previously assisted Guyana with surveillance flights when tensions between the two countries escalated last year. The latest military exercise also follows a recent visit by a US Marine Corps general to Guyana, where discussions focused on deterrence, threat response, and crisis management.
Guyana is currently awaiting a decision from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo region. However, Venezuela has declared that it does not recognize the court's jurisdiction and will not abide by any decision it makes.
The US military demonstration over Georgetown is seen as a show of support for Guyana's sovereignty and a deterrent against any potential aggression from Venezuela. The exercise underscores the close military ties between the two countries and underscores the US's commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
Guyana's President, Irfaan Ali, has thanked the US for its support and praised the military exercise as a "significant milestone" in Guyana's defense cooperation with its allies.
Venezuela's Foreign Ministry has condemned the US military demonstration, calling it a "provocation" and "a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty." The ministry also accused the US of "interfering in the internal affairs of Venezuela" and "supporting Guyana's aggressive claims."
Despite Venezuela's objections, Guyana has welcomed the US military exercise as a symbol of the strong partnership between the two countries. The exercise serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region and the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding sovereignty and preserving peace.
