By Nakasia Logan
February 18, 2025
President Irfaan Ali, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has expressed his government’s deep concern over the recent attack on ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by suspected members of the Syndicato Gang near the Guyana-Venezuela border.
The six injured soldiers, who were part of a resupply patrol, were evacuated using a Bell 412 helicopter.
The ranks sustained various injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head, abdomen, arm, and leg.
President Ali conveyed his gratitude to the ranks for their service and assured the public that the government is taking the matter “very seriously.”
He emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the firing on uniformed ranks is a serious issue, especially if the attackers were armed gangs or other groups operating from the Venezuelan side of the border.
When asked about additional measures to prevent such attacks, President Ali said, “Let’s get the evaluation and then we will discuss a posture that is important for the protection of our men and women in uniform and also of our sovereignty.”
In a related development, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd summoned the Venezuelan Ambassador, Carlos Perez, to express full condemnation of the attack.
Todd reminded the ambassador that Venezuela is responsible under international law for any harm caused by individuals operating from Venezuelan territory.
He called on Venezuela to eliminate the presence of criminal gangs in the border region and prevent future attacks on Guyana.
The GDF has reinforced its presence in the area to secure personnel and protect Guyana’s territorial integrity following the attack.