In a televised address, Maduro announced a joint defensive action involving over 5,600 military personnel along the eastern Caribbean coast and Atlantic front. The move is in response to what Maduro perceives as a provocation and threat from the United Kingdom against Venezuela's peace and sovereignty.

The British Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Trent was dispatched to Guyana, triggering Maduro's response. The Venezuelan leader alleges that Guyana's acceptance of the British warship violates the recent Joint Declaration of Argyle for Peace, signed between Maduro and Guyana President Irfaan Ali on December 14.

Maduro criticized the UK's actions as "unacceptable," stating that the threat posed by the UK is unwarranted. The presence of the warship and the visit of UK Foreign Minister David Rutley to Guyana have escalated tensions in the longstanding territorial dispute over the Essequibo region.

Venezuela's Foreign Ministry issued a warning, describing the UK's military presence and declarations as "extremely serious," especially in the context of previous threats of US military intervention. The ministry called on Guyanese authorities to withdraw the HMS Trent vessel and refrain from involving military powers in the territorial dispute.

President Ali of Guyana responded, stating that Venezuela has "nothing to fear" from activities within Guyana's sovereign territory. He emphasized his commitment to peaceful relations with neighboring countries. The UK government reiterated its support for Guyana and deemed Venezuela's military drill "unjustified."

The territorial dispute over the 160,000 square kilometer Essequibo Strip dates back to the 19th century, with Venezuela rejecting the 1899 ruling as fraudulent. Recent oil discoveries in the region have reignited tensions, leading to renewed geopolitical maneuvering and military posturing.. (ILKHA)