Venezuela Mobilizes Troops in Response to British Warship Deployment Amid Guyana Dispute

Tensions escalate over oil-rich Essequibo region as Maduro labels UK's show of support for Guyana a 'military threat'.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has mobilized over 5,600 troops in response to the deployment of a British warship to the coast of Guyana amid a territorial dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region.
The British warship's deployment is seen as a signal of support for Guyana, a former British colony, and has been described by Maduro as a 'military threat from London'.
The dispute over the Essequibo region, which is rich in oil and minerals, has escalated since Venezuela's citizens voted in a December 3 referendum to claim the territory, which makes up two-thirds of Guyana.
Guyana's government has rejected Maduro's claims, stating that the British warship's visit was a planned activity aimed at improving the nation's defense capabilities and will continue as scheduled.
Critics of Maduro suggest that the Venezuelan leader is using the tensions to distract from internal turmoil and stoke nationalism ahead of next year's presidential elections.