The United Kingdom has revealed plans to dispatch its military ship, HMS Trent, to the shores of Guyana as a show of support amid growing concerns over the threat of aggression from Venezuela.

The UK Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed its intention to send HMS Trent, currently stationed in the Caribbean basin for anti-drug trafficking operations, to Guyana, the only English-speaking country in South America. The military ship is expected to engage in joint exercises after the Christmas period.

Tensions have escalated following Venezuela's announcement of its intent to annex part of Guyana. President Nicolás Maduro revived a longstanding territorial conflict earlier this year, asserting Venezuela's claim to almost 70% of Guyana's territory, known for its abundance of oil and valuable resources.

The roots of the dispute lie in historical claims; Venezuela contends that the territory became part of its sovereign land after gaining independence from Spain. Conversely, Guyana maintains that the region was part of British Guiana, later achieving independence as Guyana.

In early December, Maduro conducted a referendum in Venezuela to formalize the annexation of a portion of Guyana. Shortly thereafter, he declared the annexation on national television, presenting a new map that included the disputed region.

However, in mid-December, Maduro announced a diplomatic breakthrough, stating that an agreement had been reached with the leader of Guyana to peacefully resolve the dispute through negotiations. Both nations have pledged not to resort to the use of force in the resolution process. (ILKHA)