Venezuela in “perpetual prewar” footing with Guyana.

Venezuela is escalating military infrastructure and threats to annex an oil-rich area of Guyana, the Essequibo region, stirring international concern. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warns that President Nicolas Maduro’s tactics are institutionalizing a perpetual prewar footing despite little to gain and a lot to lose from a full-blown conflict. Tensions heightened last year after a Venezuelan referendum created a Venezuelan state within the disputed region, perceived by Guyana as an existential threat. Earlier in February, CNN reported on the expanding operations at Venezuela’s Anacoco Island military base. CSIS has since discovered that these expansions have continued, with an extension of the island’s airfield and establishing over 75 field tents. Additionally, Iranian-built Peykaap III (Zolfaghar) fast missile boats are positioned at Punta Barima, near the Guyanese border. The US, a partner to Guyana, showed support by flying fighter jets over the Guyanese capital, Georgetown. Speculations suggest that Venezuela’s upcoming elections could be influencing Maduro’s aggressions, as millions of Venezuelans are suffering from poor economic conditions and limited access to healthcare. CSIS is concerned that post-election, Maduro could escalate the situation, tying his political survival to a willingness to back his threats with force. Original Text by Tara John, publish in->CNN

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