Venezuela Defends Incursion into Guyana’s EEZ, Rejects International Warnings

March 3, 2025 – Venezuela’s military is standing firm after an incursion into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), despite international condemnation. On Sunday, Venezuela’s Defence Minister, General Vladimir Padrino López, stated that Guyana has no right to allow oil and gas exploitation in waters it claims as part of its sovereign territory.

This comes after an incident on Saturday, where a Venezuelan Armed Forces’ oceanic patrol vessel made contact with ExxonMobil’s oil production vessel, Prosperity, along with other foreign tankers. Padrino López accused Guyana of violating international law by allowing these activities. The United States has warned Venezuela of potential consequences if the provocation continues, while CARICOM called for an end to the aggression. However, the Venezuelan military rejected regional statements, framing the dispute as part of a broader anti-imperialist struggle.