UK to send warship to Guyana amid tensions with Venezuela

The British Ministry of Defense statement did not directly mention Venezuela or the dispute

✅ Receive news from Brazil 247 and TV 247 Brazil Channel 247 And on Society 247 On WhatsApp.

Reuters – The United Kingdom will send a warship to Guyana later this month, the British Ministry of Defense announced Sunday, as the South American country faces a border dispute with Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region.

The deployment follows a British foreign secretary's visit to Guyana earlier this month, aimed at providing support to the South American country, an ally and former British colony.

Guyana and Venezuela agreed earlier this month to refrain from using any force and not to escalate tensions in the long-running dispute.

The 160,000 square kilometer Essequibo area is generally recognized as part of Guyana, but in recent years Venezuela has reclaimed its claim to the territory and sea areas following major oil and gas discoveries.

The United Kingdom will send the Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement, without mentioning Venezuela or the dispute.

“HMS Trent will visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana later this month as part of her continued engagement in the region during transatlantic patrols,” a spokesperson said.