Latest update April 16th, 2026 4:35 PM
GDF, security forces mobilised amid U.S. military action in Venezuela
(Kaieteur News) – Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and other security forces have been mobilised following reports of a United States ( U.S.) military operation early Saturday in neighbouring Venezuela, which resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali during the meeting with the Defence Board, the National Security architecture, regional commanders, and other senior security officials early Saturday morning.
Early Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he described as the successful capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a “large-scale” military operation in Caracas. The arrest of Maduro who have been indicted in New York for narco-terrorism charges, follows months of heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela, after the Trump administration deployed military assets in the Caribbean and Latin America region; and conducted several fatal military strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali in a social media post on Saturday morning said he met with the Defence Board, the National Security architecture, regional commanders, and other senior security officials amid the unfolding situation in Venezuela.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and other officials during one of the meetings held across border communities and bases.
GDF in its statement, disclosed that a series of routine leadership engagements are currently underway across border locations and military bases nationwide, in keeping with its standing responsibilities and ongoing commitment to national security and operational readiness. These engagements include visits by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, to several border locations, as well as meetings between commanders and troops across all bases.
According to the GDF, the engagements across border locations form part of standard command oversight and are intended to assess readiness, engage directly with ranks, and ensure that established operational, welfare and professional standards continue to be upheld.
“In keeping with the posture articulated by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Guyana Defence Force continues to operate in a calm, disciplined, and measured manner, fully aligned with national policy and Guyana’s longstanding commitment to peace, stability, and lawful processes,” the Force said.
Members of the Guyana Defence Force mobilised.
GDF underscored that it remains vigilant and prepared to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities to safeguard Guyana’s territorial integrity, while supporting decisions taken at the national level. “The Guyana Defence Force reassures all Guyanese that these activities reflect routine leadership engagement and responsible military management, as the Force continues to serve the nation with professionalism and resolve,” it further stated.
Moreover, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, in a post on his Facebook page, attributed comments to President Ali in relation to the military operation. Persaud said the president noted, “We have been monitoring the situation in Venezuela all morning. The priority is the safety and security of our Country. The Defence Board, the leadership of the GDF and our security forces are fully mobilised in accordance with our security plans. We have spoken to the SG (Secretary General) of Caricom and as more information becomes available, we will further update the population.”
The U.S. military actions come at a time when Guyana and Venezuela are before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Venezuela’s claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, the resource-rich Essequibo.
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