Maduro Threatens to Annex Guyana's Oil-Rich Region, Stoking Tensions Amid Election Year
• Venezuela's President Maduro threatened to annex Guyana's Esequibo region, claiming it as Venezuelan territory • The threats come as Guyana discovered massive oil reserves in the region, turning it into one of the fastest growing economies • Maduro's claims have drawn swift international backlash from the UN, US, Brazil, and Guyana's President • Experts see it as a political stunt by an unpopular leader to whip up nationalist sentiment before facing reelection • While unlikely to escalate militarily, the rhetoric has raised tensions between the countries amid Guyana's oil boom