What's happened
Tensions rise as Venezuela declares annexation of disputed territory, prompting US military exercises with Guyana.
Why it matters
The escalating tensions and potential military involvement make this a significant international dispute with potential regional and global implications.
What the papers say
The Times reports on the US military exercises with Guyana and Venezuela's annexation declaration. Al Jazeera provides details on US support for Guyana and Venezuela's threat to annex the disputed territory. Both sources offer similar perspectives on the escalating tensions and international response.
How we got here
Venezuela has long claimed the disputed Essequibo region, but tensions have escalated following a referendum and Maduro's announcement of plans to formally incorporate the territory. The US has expressed full backing for Guyana's sovereignty over the region.
More on these topics
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The Essequibo River is the largest river in Guyana, and the largest river between the Orinoco and Amazon. Rising in the Acarai Mountains near the Brazil–Guyana border, the Essequibo flows to the north for 1,014 kilometres through forest and savanna into
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Guyana, officially the Co‑operative Republic of Guyana, is a country on the northern mainland of South America. It is considered part of the Caribbean region because of its strong cultural, historical, and political ties with other Anglo-Caribbean count
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.