The United States has formally assured Guyana of its security commitment should Venezuela launch retaliatory attacks in response to potential US military operations. US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot declared Washington’s readiness to “stand shoulder to shoulder” in defense of the South American nation, emphasizing Guyana’s strategic importance as both a partner and regional ally.
This security guarantee comes as President Donald Trump contemplates land operations in Venezuela targeting what he describes as narco-terrorist networks. The Maduro administration’s renewed claims over Guyana’s oil-rich Essequibo Region—approximately 160,000 square kilometers—has intensified diplomatic tensions throughout the Caribbean basin.
Military analysts suggest substantial US firepower deployed throughout the region would effectively deter Venezuelan aggression. R. Evan Ellis, Latin America Research Professor at the US Army War College, characterized the risk of attack as “moderate,” noting that any serious military action would likely trigger a “crushing response” from US forces. He suggested Venezuela would be reluctant to compromise its international standing by initiating conflict.
The geopolitical stakes are substantially elevated by Guyana’s emerging status as a major oil producer. An ExxonMobil-led consortium including Chevron and China National Overseas Oil Corporation projects production exceeding 1 million barrels daily by 2030. This economic transformation positions Guyana as a crucial US partner in countering narcotics trafficking and transnational crime.
Guyanese President Irfaan Ali affirmed his administration’s priority remains national sovereignty and citizen safety. While acknowledging continuous risk assessments with international partners including the UK and France, Ali declined to disclose specific security measures. Migration experts additionally warn that US military action in Venezuela could trigger renewed refugee flows across the Guyanese border, where approximately 100,000 Venezuelans already reside amid their homeland’s ongoing crisis.
Despite these complex security challenges, industry observers maintain confidence in offshore operations’ resilience. Former UK High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn advised energy companies to maintain updated contingency plans while characterizing the overall risk environment as manageable.