The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has confirmed that one of its patrols encountered hostile fire twice on Tuesday afternoon while conducting border security operations in Region Seven.
Both incidents occurred along the Cuyuni River at approximately 16:10 hrs and 16:50 hrs, respectively, at known locations. On each occasion, the patrol, which was escorting civilian vessels, responded in accordance with operational procedures and safely manoeuvred out of the area without any injuries.
Meanwhile, a Guyana Defence Force rank injured during a border ambush on Monday is recovering in Georgetown after being airlifted for urgent medical care.
Lance Corporal Troyland Douglas sustained two gunshot wounds to his right leg during the patrol and is currently receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips visited the injured soldier, wishing him a full recovery and reaffirming the Government’s support for the GDF’s frontline operations.
According to the GDF, the incident occurred at around 11:30 hrs when a boat patrol escorting three civilian vessels from Makapa to Eteringbang came under fire near Black Water. Soldiers returned fire and safely extracted the convoy of passengers and cargo.
Authorities say the attack is part of a continuing pattern of cross-border violence in the Cuyuni River corridor, often linked to heavily armed criminal groups involved in illegal mining and smuggling.
The GDF stated that it remains on active deployment along the western border, maintaining operations to secure Guyana’s territorial integrity and protect its border communities.
