Cuyuni passage now a danger zone ...'Soldiers shot at again by Venezuelans'

Cuyuni passage now a danger zone …’Soldiers shot at again by Venezuelans’

May 07, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were shot at again on “Arrival Day” by the armed men from Venezuela’s shore while on patrol duties in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

The Guyana Defence Force in a statement to the press said one of it patrols encountered hostile fire twice on Tuesday May 5 while conducting border security operations in Region Seven.

“Both incidents occurred in the Cuyuni River at approximately 16:10hrs and 16:50hrs respectively at known locations,” the GDF stated while adding that on both occasions, the patrol was escorting civilian vessels and had returned fire in accordance with operational procedures.

No one was injured this time and the vessels were manoeuvred out from the area safely.

Tuesday afternoon’s shooting marked a second consecutive shoot-out between GDF soldiers and the armed men from Venezuela’s shore at Guyana’s western border.

During Monday’s shooting, Lance Corporal Douglas sustained two gunshot wounds to his right leg and is currently recovering at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Another rank narrowly escaped being injured.

Reports are that a bullet grazed him passing through his uniform.

Kaieteur News received information that the shootings sometimes occur daily, making the Cuyuni River one of the most dangerous areas to traverse.

The dangers have prompted GDF patrol boats to escort Guyanese civilian who make a living in the area.

Douglas is the ninth soldier to have been injured by Venezuelan gunfire in a year.

In February 2025, eight soldiers were wounded after they were ambushed and shot at reportedly by a Venezuelan gang while on patrol duties.

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Cuyuni, Guyana Defence Force, hostile fire, Venezuelan gang

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