Posted 12/6/2023, 9:15:00 PM
Venezuela Stakes Claim to Disputed Guyana Border Area Amid Reelection Fight
- Venezuela's president ordered the creation of a new state called "Guayana Esequiba" including disputed land belonging to Guyana
- The land in question is a densely forested, oil-rich region amounting to about two-thirds of Guyana's territory
- Guyana called the move an "existential threat" and is engaging with allies like the US and Brazil
- The measures allow Venezuela to approve licenses for oil, gas and mining exploration in the disputed area
- Experts say Venezuela's actions could be a political move to rally domestic support amid a challenging reelection campaign