A diplomatic conflict has emerged between Guyana and Venezuela after Guyanese President Irfaan Ali accused a Venezuelan coast guard vessel of illegally entering Guyanese waters and approaching an Exxon Mobil-operated offshore oil vessel. Venezuela denied the allegation, arguing that the area is a maritime zone pending delimitation under international law.

The incursion comes amid a long-standing territorial dispute over the Esequibo region, currently under review at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Guyana has summoned the Venezuelan ambassador, lodged a formal complaint, and plans to report the incident to the ICJ and international bodies like CARICOM. The country has also deployed unspecified air assets in response.

The Organization of American States (OAS) condemned Venezuela’s actions, and the U.S. warned that further provocations could lead to consequences for the Maduro regime. Venezuela, in turn, urged Guyana to honor the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which aimed to resolve the territorial dispute.