U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed Thursday that the United States will respond forcefully if Venezuela attacks Guyana, amid an ongoing territorial dispute that includes massive oil and gas reserves. Rubio said it would be a “very bad day” for Venezuela should that happen, reported AP.
During a visit to Guyana, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Venezuela against aggression over the Essequibo region, hinting at possible U.S. military response.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro fired back, calling Rubio an “imbecile” and declaring Venezuela would not be threatened.
The century-old Essequibo dispute reignited after ExxonMobil’s 2015 oil discovery. The U.S. has since boosted military and intelligence ties with Guyana.
Hellbound and Down 