In pics: Is there war brewing between Guyana and Venezuela?

The UN Security Council addressed the escalated Venezuela-Guyana dispute over Essequibo. Global leaders urged calm as Venezuela denounced US-Guyana military exercises, vowing to proceed with the disputed region's 'recovery. (ANI photo)

For decades, Venezuela has claimed its ownership of Essequibo, a region abundant in oil and resources located within Guyana. Besides, this area is home to 125,000 people, constituting a significant portion of Guyana's 800,000 population. (AFP photo)

Tensions began in 2015 when ExxonMobil, operating with licenses from Guyana, uncovered extensive oil reserves in the region, sparking controversy. (AFP photo)

"Guyana and ExxonMobil must engage in direct discussions with us sooner rather than later," stated Venezuelan president Maduro during a ceremony in front of the Miraflores presidential palace. Here, he presented a map of Venezuela designating Essequibo as official territory. (Reuters photo)

Guyana has administered the region for over a century, and it is currently under border litigation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. (Reuters photo)

Announcement by Washington, declaring joint flight operations within Guyana as part of routine engagement to enhance security partnership with its ally, provoked an angry response from Caracas. (AP photo)

On December 3, 2023, Venezuela held a non-binding referendum asking voters if they supported making the disputed area a province, granting citizenship to its residents, and rejecting the ICJ's jurisdiction in settling the dispute with the neighboring country. (AFP photo)

"During the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with Guyana's President Irfaan Ali our backing for Guyana's sovereignty and our strong security and economic collaboration," the US department said. (AP photo)