The long-standing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana took a dramatic turn on March 1 when an armed Venezuelan patrol ship reportedly entered Guyana's waters and its personnel "threatened" workers on a US oil company's facility, triggering international concerns between the neighbouring countries.

In response, the US Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs took to X on March 1 in support of Guyana.

A post said: "Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil's floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana's internationally recognised maritime territory."

It added, "Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana's territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award." The post was shared by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Earlier, Guyana's president Dr Irfaan Ali addressed the nation, saying at around 7 am on March 1, a Venezuelan Coast Guard (CG) ship had entered Guyana's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The president added it approached multiple assets, including the offshore platform Prosperity FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading).

"The patrol vessel transmitted a radio message declaring that the FPSO was operating in what it termed 'disputed international waters' before continuing its course in a southwesterly direction towards other FPSOs," Ali said in the address.

"Let me be unequivocal: Guyana's maritime boundaries are recognised under international law, and this incursion is a matter of grave concern."

The address was also streamed on social media platforms.

Ali assured the public that the Guyanese government was not acting precipitously.

"We are addressing this situation with the seriousness and responsibility that it requires."

Ali said Guyana had already summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, registering a strong protest over the "incursion."

He said Guyana's embassy in Caracas was instructed to file a formal protest with the Venezuelan government.

Apart from the US, Ali said Guyana has informed international partners like the UK, France, the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the UN, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States (OAS).

"We continue to work with other neighbours, Brazil, at the military level and at the level of the state."

Ali said the government already engaged legal teams to inform the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The Essequibo region, which is rich in natural resources, is at the centre of the long-running territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana.

Tensions have increased owing to new offshore oil and gas finds in and around the disputed area.

Caricom cautions Venezuela

A statement from Caricom said such acts of aggression and provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration.

The declaration refers to an agreement by leaders of both Venezuela and Guyana not to use nor threaten to use force,