Guyana is on high alert after a Venezuelan navy vessel entered its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The country has deployed air assets and mobilized its Coast Guard. President Irfaan Ali stated that the incursion occurred near the Prosperity FPSO, asserting that operations within the EEZ are lawful, despite Venezuelan claims of ‘undelimited waters.’

Guyana is currently on heightened alert following the recent incursion of a Venezuelan navy vessel into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Saturday morning, as reported by OilNOW. The Guyanese government has initiated the deployment of aerial and maritime assets to ensure security in the affected waters. In a statement, President Irfaan Ali indicated that the naval ship approached significant installations within the EEZ, including the Prosperity floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), which is operated by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block.

The vessel, identified as “ABF Wakari PO-11 IMO 4695542,” belongs to the Venezuelan Coast Guard. President Ali reaffirmed the legality of Guyana’s operations in the EEZ, asserting that the FPSO Prosperity is functioning within established rights. Additionally, it has been noted that the Venezuelan patrol vessel communicated via radio, declaring the FPSO’s operations as occurring in “undelimited waters.”

In summary, Guyana has responded to the recent territorial incursion by the Venezuelan Navy by mobilizing its air and maritime assets. The President has confirmed the legality of operations within the EEZ and emphasized the importance of safeguarding national resources. The events underscore the ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding territorial waters and economic rights.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com