Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro orders defensive measures in the Atlantic Ocean in response to arrival of a British warship to the coast of Guyana, which once again caused tension between the countries of South America, between which a territorial dispute remains.

“I have ordered the intensification of joint actions of all Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) in the eastern Caribbean of Venezuela, on the Atlantic front, joint actions of a defensive nature in response to the provocation and threat of the United Kingdom. against the peace and sovereignty of our country.”

The statement was made before the military leadership, during a meeting, which was necessarily broadcast on radio and television, at which he spoke with a group of military personnel who clarified “first phase” of this operationwhich consisted of deployment over the land and waters of the state of Sucre (northeast).

“Venezuela cannot sit idly by in the face of a threat”

Maduro gave no details about the scale or duration of the operation, but insisted the arrival of the British HMS Trent posed an “unacceptable threat” that was a “break” of the agreements he signed with his Guyanese counterpart Irfaan Ali in December. 14. December, when they promised not to threaten each other and avoid incidents related to the dispute.

“Venezuela cannot sit idly by in the face of a threat, we are responding with proportionate measures,” he assured, reiterating that he is committed to diplomacy and peace.

The Chavista leader has criticized Guyana for ignoring Venezuela’s requests to prevent a British ship from arriving on its shores.