In the wake of a recent U.S. military operation in Caribbean waters that resulted in the destruction of a suspected drug vessel and the deaths of six individuals off Venezuela’s coast, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to regional peace and the fight against transnational crime. Speaking on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, President Ali emphasized Guyana’s dual focus: maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a ‘zone of peace’ while actively supporting efforts to dismantle illegal drug trade networks and other destabilizing activities. ‘We support every action and embrace every partnership to cripple transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilization that threatens the security of Guyana and this region,’ he declared. While not directly referencing the U.S. military deployment, President Ali underscored Guyana’s rejection of aggression and coercion, advocating instead for dialogue, international law, and collaborative efforts to address both traditional and non-traditional threats. He also highlighted Guyana’s determination to defend its sovereignty with the support of international allies, particularly in the face of territorial aggression. The President condemned recent attacks on Guyanese civilians and soldiers along the Cuyuni River, which borders Venezuela, and reiterated his government’s broader commitment to promoting peace and the rule of law across the region. Guyana’s stance aligns with the 33-member Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which has called for the region to remain a ‘zone of peace.’ Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago, a fellow CARICOM member, has openly supported the U.S.-led efforts against narco-trafficking, citing a decline in violent crime as a positive outcome.