Brazilian military trucks move to that country’s border amid increasing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. This convoy was filmed near Pacaraima, in the state of Roraima which borders the disputed region. Venezuela is claiming sovereignty over Esequibo, a sparsely inhabited region of mostly jungle and which was determined to be part of Guyana in 1899. The borders between the two countries have been disputed for some time, but recently Venezuela reasserted its claim after 11 billion barrels of oil and natural gas were discovered off the Esequiban coast. According to sources quoted by Reuters, some observers do not take Venezuelan President Maduro’s saber rattling seriously, noting that 2024 is an election year and that he is attempting to appeal to voters. And yet Venezuela announced the passage of a special law establishing a new state in the disputed territory, and Maduro has mobilized the military, ostensibly to assert that claim. Guyana’s president, Irfaan Ali, has stated that his country will defend itself while also engaging in diplomacy intended to ensure that any hostile action by Venezuela is met by a coordinate response from regional partners. And thus, we see neighboring countries like Brazil taking a more assertive posture on their border with Venezuela. There has not been a war between nations in South America since 1995, and if fighting does break out it will be difficult for regional powers like Brazil to remain on the sideline.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing just completed its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission and next year's sailing season at Tri-Sail.Org.