Rubio Warns Venezuela Against Guyana Aggression; New Security Pact Signed

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Guyana, cautioned Venezuela against any aggression towards the oil-rich nation. At a joint press conference with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali in Georgetown, Rubio stated that "adventurism will have consequences," emphasizing that "aggressive action will have consequences." When questioned about potential U.S. actions if Venezuela attacked ExxonMobil's facilities in Guyana, Rubio alluded to the U.S. Navy's capabilities. President Ali welcomed the U.S. assurance of protecting Guyana's territorial integrity and sovereignty, denouncing Venezuela's claims to the Essequibo region as "illegitimate." Both countries signed an agreement to enhance security cooperation, building on previous joint maritime patrols. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded with anger, calling Rubio a "fool." Maduro had previously enacted a law integrating Essequibo into Venezuela and criticized alleged U.S. "secret military bases" in the region. Guyana condemned the law as a violation of international law. Venezuela has claimed Essequibo for over a century, intensifying its claim after ExxonMobil's 2015 oil discoveries. Essequibo is home to approximately 125,000 of Guyana's 800,000 residents.