The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is investigating a violent ambush that took place Monday, February 17, 2025, in the Cuyuni River near Black Water Mouth. The attack involved heavily armed individuals, believed to be linked to Venezuelan military forces, who opened fire on a GDF boat carrying personnel en route to the Makapa GDF Observation Post.
At approximately 15:45hrs, the GDF team, traveling aboard a thirty-foot canoe powered by a 185-horsepower Yamaha engine, was intercepted by two wooden boats carrying armed, masked assailants. The attackers encircled the GDF boat and began firing, prompting the GDF ranks to return fire. The gunfight resulted in the attackers retreating, but not before multiple GDF members were injured.
Among the wounded were Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray, who suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of his head; Sergeant Kevon Davis, who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporals Andrew Fraser and Kevin Henry, who sustained gunshot wounds to their abdomen, shoulder, and arm; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick, who was injured in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel, who was shot in the right side of his abdomen. Kaieteur News reports two of the of the soldiers are in critical condition. Medical treatment was administered by GDF medic Lance Corporal Melville at the Makapa GDF Observation Post.
The attack, described as unprecedented in GDF history, has raised serious concerns over the growing threat posed by foreign military forces in the region. There is increasing speculation that these armed individuals are not mere criminal syndicates, but Venezuelan military personnel operating with apparent impunity along Guyana’s border.
The incident comes at a time when the Guyana Defence Force is facing significant underfunding and insufficient resources to respond effectively to such threats. The government’s failure to provide adequate support for the GDF has led to questions about its commitment to national security. While the country faces mounting instability at the border, there are reports suggesting that the government may be more focused on political maneuvering, including promises to involve the military in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, rather than ensuring the GDF is properly equipped and prepared for these kinds of threats.
The growing influence of Venezuelan forces in the region, under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro, continues to provoke tensions along the border. However, the Irfaan Ali administration has been criticized for its passive stance, allowing foreign military personnel to operate unchecked in Guyana’s hinterland communities.
This attack underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize national security and invest in the defense capabilities of the GDF. The safety of Guyanese citizens and the integrity of the nation’s borders depend on a robust and well-equipped military that can effectively respond to threats. The government’s continued neglect of this responsibility is putting the nation at risk.
