As Venezuela Presses Illegal Claim to Essequibo, U.S. Rallies Behind Guyana

With tensions simmering over Venezuela’s illegal, unjust and baseless claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region, the United States has moved decisively to deepen its political, economic and security ties with its smallest but fastest-growing South American partner.

In recent months, Washington has signaled a rare level of attention toward Guyana, a nation whose newly discovered oil wealth and fragile borders have placed it at the center of geopolitics in the hemisphere.

U.S. Warships Deployed Near Venezuela

In a bold counternarcotics maneuver, the U.S. has dispatched three Aegis guided‑missile destroyers, the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson, along with an amphibious squadron, surveillance aircraft, and at least one attack submarine to waters near Venezuela. The operation involves about 4,000 sailors and Marines and is aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks linked to Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles.

Maduro Mobilizes Militia in Response

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded by mobilizing 4.5 million militia members and deploying 15,000 troops to the Colombian border marking a dramatic escalation in regional military posturing.

A Security Pact in Place

In March, President Irfaan Ali and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation, pledging stronger collaboration in intelligence sharing, maritime patrols and defense readiness. For Guyana, the pact is intended as a buffer against Venezuelan threats; for Washington, it represents an anchor of stability on the continent’s north coast.

Congress Takes Notice

The relationship is also drawing attention in Washington. In July, Senator Michael Bennet introduced legislation requiring the Pentagon to report on U.S.–Guyana defense collaboration, while considering additional military assistance to bolster Guyana’s territorial security. Analysts say the bill reflects bipartisan concern over Caracas’s saber-rattling.

Economic and Energy Links

Beyond security, the two nations are weaving tighter economic ties. At the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, President Ali floated plans to send Guyanese crude to U.S. refineries, then re-import refined fuel to meet domestic needs. The proposal underscores Guyana’s pivot toward American infrastructure to support its booming oil economy.

The Gold Smuggling Crackdown

Washington’s influence has also been felt on Guyana’s borders. Under U.S. pressure, Guyanese authorities have begun targeting illicit gold smuggling tied to Venezuela, revoking visas and tightening border controls. American officials fear the trade is financing criminal networks and undermining the region’s stability.

Military Cooperation Expands

On the ground, joint exercises between the U.S. military and the Guyana Defence Force have multiplied. Early this year, the two nations conducted Lamat 2025, a collaboration bringing American and Guyanese doctors into clinics and hospitals. Military leaders frame such initiatives as a way to strengthen readiness, trust and regional resilience.

Trade and Diaspora Ties

Washington also remains Guyana’s largest trading partner, with record levels of bilateral commerce in recent years. The U.S. Embassy has highlighted growing diaspora engagement, promising investments that pair economic development with democratic governance.

The Bigger Picture

For Guyana, the message is clear: standing firm in Essequibo is no longer a solitary fight. With the United States invested, militarily, politically and economically, Georgetown’s leaders see a measure of deterrence against Caracas’s ambitions.

“The world is watching,” one senior diplomat said. “And this time, Guyana is not standing alone.”