Brazil Deploys Troops to Venezuela Border over Claim to Disputed Territory

Brazil says that it is deploying troops along its border with Venezuela after the Venezuelan government announced plans to incorporate an area controlled by Guyana into its territory.

The oil-rich Essequibo region has been in dispute since the 19th century when Guyana was a British colony.

Venezuela renewed its land claims after offshore oil and gas reserves were discovered a few years ago.

Tensions have been rising since a referendum on Sunday in Venezuela in which more than 95% of voters are said to have supported the government’s claim to Essequibo.

Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro has since asked the state oil company to issue extraction licenses there and proposed that the national assembly pass a bill to make the area part of Venezuela.

The measures are cause for concern across the region.

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While Guyana has its troops on high alert, the Brazilian army has said that it is moving more soldiers to the border city of boa vista, the capital of Roraima state, as well as bringing in more armed vehicles.

The logistical challenges of any potential military incursion by Venezuela are significant. Venezuelan soldiers would be required to traverse Brazilian territory to access Essequibo due to the challenging terrain in other directions.

Brazil’s army, responding to the escalating situation, stated that the reinforcement is part of efforts to guarantee the inviolability of the territory.

The deployment reflects the seriousness with which Brazil views the evolving situation and its commitment to maintaining stability along its border.

In an additional development, a Guyanese army helicopter carrying seven individuals was reported missing near the Venezuelan border on Wednesday.

Despite the incident, Guyanese Chief of Staff Omar Khan has clarified that there is no information suggesting Venezuela was involved.