UK Sends Warship to Guyana Amid Escalating Tensions with Venezuela

The move comes as Venezuela renews its claim to the oil-rich Essequibo region, sparking fears of a potential military conflict.

UK is sending the warship HMS Trent to Guyana in a show of diplomatic and military support amid escalating tensions with Venezuela.
Venezuela has renewed its claim to the Essequibo region, a disputed territory rich in oil and minerals, which comprises about two-thirds of Guyana.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro held a referendum to assert popular support for Venezuela's claim to Essequibo, despite international dispute over the results.
HMS Trent, originally deployed for drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean, has been re-tasked and is expected to conduct joint exercises with Guyana after Christmas.
The territorial dispute, dating back to the late 19th century, has raised international concerns of a potential military conflict.