In response to a question posed by Opposition Parliamentarian Tabitha Sarabo-Halley in the National Assembly on Friday, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn stated that the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua is not operating within Guyana.
“As of the current date, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Joint Services including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Guyana Immigration Department, has not officially confirmed the presence of the organised gang known as Tren de Aragua operating within the borders of Guyana,” the Home Affairs Minister said.
Minister Benn said that while there have been concerns regarding cross-border criminal activities, there is no verified evidence to suggest that this gang has established operations in the country.
“The Ministry and the Joint Services remain vigilant and are actively monitoring the borders, particularly in Regions 1, 7, and 8, for any indicators of transnational criminal infiltration. Should any credible intelligence arise, immediate action will be taken in accordance with national security protocols to safeguard the sovereignty and safety of the nation,” Minister Benn stated.
With three attacks occurring within this week at the Guyana-Venezuela border, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, at a press conference on Thursday, said that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has enhanced its operational posture and is continuing to monitor the country’s western border.
GDF enhances operational posture, continuing to patrol border – Chief of Defence Staff
There are currently soldiers from both the Infantry and the Coast Guard at the border locations.
The attacks occurred between Tuesday, May 13, and Thursday, 15 May. During each instance, Brigadier Khan said the GDF ranks returned fire. No ranks were injured, nor was any vessel damaged.
The attacks were carried out by men dressed in civilian clothing who used automatic weapons. At this point, Brigadier Khan said the GDF has an idea about the type of weapon which was used, but he did not disclose details. He was, however, unable to state whether the Venezuelan gunmen are part of the country’s military.
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