The disappearance of a Guyanese army helicopter near the border with Venezuela

A Guyana Army helicopter disappeared on Wednesday 6 near Venezuela. According to the news agency France Press agencyIn addition to its two crew, the plane was carrying five senior officers to inspect the forces present in the border area between the two countries.

On board were Captain Charles, Colonel Michael Shahad, Retired Brigadier General Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Wellcome, Sergeant Jason Khan, Lieutenant Colonel Andew Michael Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.

The disappearance occurs at a time of tension between Guyana and Venezuela over regional disputes. But so far there is no information that Venezuela is involved in the helicopter case.

according to France Press agencyThe Bell 412 EP departed Ayangana Base at 9:23 a.m. bound for Arau on Wednesday. At 11:20 a.m., the helicopter sent an emergency locator transmission signal. Contact was lost 45 kilometers from the border, specifically in the disputed Essequibo region. At the time of her disappearance, the area was experiencing stormy weather.

Brigadier General Omar Khan, the army spokesman, informed that the United States government will assist in the search on Thursday, the seventh of this month.

Territorial dispute

The dispute over the Essequibo region, between Venezuela and Guyana, has existed since the end of the nineteenth century, but it returned to the center of discussion after the government of Nicolas Maduro held a referendum to “reaffirm” its rights in the region.

In total, 95% of Venezuelans agreed to annex the territory to the country, which increased tensions on the border between the countries and northern Brazil. 125,000 of Guyana’s population of 800,000 live there.

The region is rich in ores, gemstones and oil. It has been part of Guyana’s territory since the 19th century, when the country was still a British colony, and has remained so since Guyana’s independence in 1966. In the following article, understand the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana.

Source: Redacao Terra