Venezuela's military response to presence of British HMS Trent in Guyanese waters.

On December 28, 2023, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro delivered a speech announcing a defensive military response to the presence of the British naval ship HMS Trent in Guyanese waters. This development, reported by Navy Recognition on December 26, 2023, is perceived by Venezuela as an offensive act by the United Kingdom, even though this deployment had been planned for a long time.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

President Maduro has ordered the Venezuelan military to take defensive actions in response to the arrival of the HMS Trent in Guyanese waters. (Picture source: AVN)

President Maduro has ordered the Venezuelan military to take defensive actions in response to the arrival of the British Royal Navy's patrol ship HMS Trent in Guyanese waters. This decision is part of the ongoing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region, which covers approximately two-thirds of Guyanese territory but is claimed by Venezuela. Maduro's directive led to the deployment of 5,000 Venezuelan troops for military exercises on the Atlantic coast. This escalation follows Maduro's view of the British ship's presence as a threat to Venezuelan sovereignty.

The territorial dispute over the Essequibo region, known to be rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, has been a long-standing source of tension between Venezuela and Guyana. This region has been under Guyanese control for decades, but Venezuela has recently reaffirmed its claim, including through a referendum asking if the Essequibo should become a Venezuelan state. The leaders of the two countries previously met in Saint Vincent and signed an agreement to resolve the dispute through non-violent means. However, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali stated that his country reserves the right to work with its partners to ensure its defense.

The visit of HMS Trent to Guyana is described as a planned activity to enhance the nation's defense capabilities. The British Royal Navy states that the deployment of HMS Trent, a patrol and rescue ship capable of carrying a crew and marines, as well as equipped cannons and a landing pad for helicopters and drones, is a gesture of support for Guyana as a regional ally and Commonwealth partner.

Venezuela has a substantially larger and better-equipped military force than Guyana. With over 5,600 military personnel engaged in the future defensive exercise, Venezuela demonstrates its ability to rapidly mobilize a significant force. The country has a variety of modern military equipment and an experienced army.

In contrast, Guyana, with a population of about 800,000, has a relatively small military force, consisting of 3,000 soldiers, 200 sailors, and four small patrol boats known as Barracudas. Therefore, the presence of HMS Trent, a ship equipped for patrol and rescue operations, represents a significant reinforcement of military presence in Guyana, although its capabilities are primarily defensive.

Guyana is not without its advantages, however. The terrain plays in its favor. The Essequibo is not only a resource-rich territory but also a vast expanse of jungle where the deployment of a large force is very difficult, while this terrain is perfect for guerrilla operations. Guyana can also count on numerous foreign supports such as that of the British or the United States. It remains to be seen, however, to what extent this support will materialize, if at all.

This context highlights the complexity of historical territorial disputes and the involvement of former colonial powers in current geopolitical dynamics. The escalation of tensions and the deployment of military forces underscore the delicate balance required in international diplomacy, particularly in disputes involving valuable natural resources and national sovereignty. The international community, including organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and regional groups like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), could also play a role in mediating and de-escalating the situation.

HMS Trent is a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel (Picture source: Royal Navy)