MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Caracas says Cuyuní River clashes were a “false flag” operation by Guyana

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil blamed “cheap propaganda designed in the laboratories of the US Southern Command” for the alleged incidents

Following Georgetown's complaints, Caracas' Bolivarian regime said Friday that the Guyana Defense Force's (GDF) alleged attacks along the Cuyuní River were a “false flag operation” designed to portray themselves as the victim and create artificial tensions.

The Chavista Government of Nicolás Maduro also argued that these actions were orchestrated by the US Southern Command to perpetuate the “transnational plundering” of the disputed Guyana Essequiba territory. It added in a statement that it will defend “with firmness and dignity the historical rights bequeathed to us by our liberators.”

Venezuela's Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) spoke of no involvement, framing Guyana’s accusations as propaganda to justify the ensuing actions. “All records, reports, and indications gathered by our Bolivarian National Armed Forces clearly demonstrate that such information is nothing more than part of a new false flag operation, orchestrated to victimize the Government of Guyana and manufacture artificial tensions on the de facto line,” the declaration further noted.

These practices, which “are repudiated by the international community, are part of the repertoire of cheap propaganda designed in the laboratories of the US Southern Command,” according to Caracas, which insisted on holding elections on May 25, 2025, for the Essequibo, which it considers its 24th state, following a December 2023 referendum.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ratifies its commitment to peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We will defend with firmness and dignity the historic rights bequeathed to us by our liberators. The Sun of Venezuela is born in the Essequibo!,” the communiqué added.

In this scenario, Guyana's military has threatened to arrest and deport Venezuelans voting in Essequibo. Guyanese Brigadier Omar Khan of the GDF announced measures to prevent Venezuelan electoral participation in the disputed region, escalating tensions.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil reaffirmed his country's commitment to peace, sovereignty, and defending historical rights over Essequibo, vowing not to be distracted by Guyana's provocations. “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects the statements issued by the Guyana Defense Force on May 15, 2025, through which it intends to hold Venezuela responsible for alleged attacks against Guyanese troops in the Cuyuní River,” Gil argued in his declaration.

The Essequibo is an oil-rich region under dispute.

(See also: Guyana reports attacks from Venezuelan side along Cuyuni River )