Venezuela Conducts Military Exercises in Response to UK Warship Deployment to Guyana

The move comes amid escalating tensions over the disputed Essequibo region, with Brazil urging both nations to return to dialogue.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has ordered over 5,600 military personnel to conduct 'defensive' exercises in response to the UK sending a warship, HMS Trent, to Guyana amid a territorial dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region.
Maduro described the UK's action as a 'threat' and a violation of a recent agreement between Venezuela and Guyana to resolve their dispute through nonviolent means.
The UK's Ministry of Defense stated that the HMS Trent, which can accommodate up to 30 sailors and a contingent of 18 marines, was sent to Guyana as part of a series of engagements in the region and would be conducting joint operations with Guyana's defense forces.
Earlier this month, Maduro's government held a controversial referendum in which 95 percent of voters reportedly supported declaring Venezuela the rightful owner of the Essequibo region, which makes up about two-thirds of Guyana's territory.
Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the escalating dispute and urged both countries to return to dialogue, while also advising third countries to avoid 'military activities' that support either side.