U.S. to Assist Guyana in Boosting Military Amid Venezuela Dispute

The move follows talks with U.S. defense official Daniel P. Erikson, focusing on modernization and strategic planning of Guyana's defense capabilities.

Guyana is seeking assistance from the U.S. to enhance its defense capabilities amid fears that Venezuela might seize a disputed, resource-rich region in western Guyana.
The request follows two days of talks with Daniel P. Erikson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Western Hemisphere, who has committed to helping Guyana create a more organized and better equipped military.
The talks also focused on modernizing Guyana's defense capabilities, including cybersecurity, and ensuring that the country's defense plan is strategic and sustainable.
The request comes in the wake of a deepening century-old dispute over Guyana’s Essequibo region, with Venezuela holding a referendum in December to claim sovereignty over an area that represents two-thirds of Guyana.
Despite recent tensions, leaders of both countries are scheduled to meet later this year in Brazil to continue talks.