Tensions Rise as Guyana and Venezuela Clash Over Disputed Territory

Guyana's president, Irfaan Ali, has stated that his country is taking necessary measures to protect itself from Venezuela, which has ordered its state-owned companies to explore and exploit oil and minerals in the disputed Essequibo region. Guyana considers the region its own and is reaching out to allies and regional partners for support. President Ali accused Venezuela of defying an International Court of Justice ruling and warned that Venezuela's actions could disrupt regional stability. The United Nations has called for peaceful means to resolve the dispute, while Venezuela rejected the UN's comments and called on Guyana to resume dialogue. The dispute over Essequibo has intensified since ExxonMobil discovered oil off Guyana's coast in 2015, with Venezuela claiming sovereignty based on historical boundaries.