The Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Brazil announced on Wednesday that it has increased its defensive measures along the northern border of the country due to a territorial dispute between its neighbouring countries, Guyana and Venezuela.
The MoD stated that it has been closely monitoring the situation and has decided to strengthen its military presence in the region. In a statement, the MoD stated that they have intensified their defensive actions in the northern border region of the country.
Brazil is increasing its military presence in the north, which coincides with escalating tensions between Venezuela and Guayana over the “Esequiba” region. The Esequiba makes up more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and is rich in oil.
Venezuela has long claimed the Esequiba, and the discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border has reignited the territorial dispute. Venezuelans are scheduled to vote in a referendum on 3 December to decide on their “rights” to the Esequiba.
However, Guyana has requested that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) cancel the referendum, and a ruling is expected on Friday. Despite this, Venezuela’s government has stated that they will carry out the referendum regardless of the ICJ’s decision.
In September, Venezuela also protested an oil tender announced by Guyana, arguing that offshore areas are in dispute, and the companies awarded the fields will not have the rights to explore them.
