President Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana has placed its national security systems on high alert following military strikes carried out by the United States against targets in neighbouring Venezuela.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, Ali said the government moved swiftly to activate its full security framework to safeguard the country as developments in Venezuela continue to evolve.
“We have activated our security plan to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana,” the President said, noting that “the security architecture is fully active.”
Ali stated that the Guyana Defence Force, along with other local security agencies, is maintaining close surveillance of the situation. “The Guyana Defence Force and the security forces are monitoring the situation and Guyanese should be reassured that the government is working to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” he added.
According to the Head of State, regional partners have also been informed. He confirmed that CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett has been briefed and that Guyana’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, is in contact with regional security counterparts.
“I will share information as it becomes available. Our entire security architecture and posture has been activated all morning,” Ali said.
The President further disclosed that steps are being taken to convene an emergency meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government to assess the regional implications of the unfolding situation.
Ali also revealed that discussions have been held with ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge concerning the company’s offshore oil operations, where production is currently approaching one million barrels per day. “They have been alerted and we’re working together,” he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that American forces have taken control of Venezuela following a military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition” to new leadership, Trump said during a press conference in Florida.
