This publication reached out to a retired senior military officer for an explanation of the incident involving an attack on soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by Venezuelan assailants. In an invited comment, the officer suggested that the attack appeared to be a coordinated military operation rather than a random criminal act. The officer dismissed the Guyana Police’s claim that the GDF ranks were shot by a Venezuelan criminal gang, known as the ‘syndicatos,’ arguing that the attackers were more likely Venezuelan military forces operating as provocateurs along the border.
The attack took place on Monday, February 17, 2025, at approximately 15:45hrs, near the Cuyuni River close to Black Water Mouth. The GDF team, traveling aboard a thirty-foot canoe powered by a 185-horsepower Yamaha engine, was intercepted by two wooden boats carrying armed and masked assailants. The attackers reportedly surrounded the GDF boat and opened fire, prompting the GDF ranks to return fire. Despite the gunfight forcing the attackers to retreat, several GDF soldiers sustained injuries.
Among the wounded were Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray, who was shot in 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 were shot in the abdomen, shoulder, and arm; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick, who was hit in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel, who was shot in the right side of his abdomen. Two of the soldiers are reported to be in critical condition, and immediate medical treatment was administered by GDF medic Lance Corporal Melville at the Makapa GDF Observation Post.
The retired officer emphasised that the attack, which has been described as unprecedented in GDF history, was likely part of Venezuela’s ongoing military aggression against Guyana, mirroring its occupation of Guyana’s half of Ankoko Island and its long-standing territorial claims over two-thirds of the country.
The senior argued that characterising the attack as the work of criminals rather than military personnel carrying out orders from the Venezuelan government undermines the gravity of the threat to Guyana’s sovereignty.
He stated, “This is an international military incident, a further military incursion by Venezuela against Guyana. It must not be reduced to a simple domestic border incident. The sovereignty of Guyana is under direct military threat, and the international community must take notice.”
In light of Venezuela’s occupation of Guyana’s half of Ankoko Island, its ongoing military threats, and its aims to annex two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, it is highly probable that Venezuelan soldiers disguised as criminals were responsible for the attack on the GDF ranks, the officer posited.
The officer urged that to attribute this heinous act to criminals rather than military forces is to diminish the serious threats Venezuela poses to Guyana’s sovereignty.
“This is an international military incident. This is yet another military incursion and act of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana, similar to its occupation of Ankoko Island. Both incidents must not be dismissed as simple domestic border disputes,” the senior officer cautioned.