Venezuelans Cast Their Votes to Assert Ownership of Essequibo, an Oil-rich Region Currently Controlled by Guyana

Venezuelans have voted overwhelmingly to claim a disputed oil-rich territory controlled by neighboring Guyana. The referendum saw more than 95% of voters approve the establishment of a new state in Essequibo. Venezuela argues that the region has been part of the country since its independence from Spain 200 years ago, while Guyana maintains that it was awarded to British Guiana in the late 19th Century. The dispute has been fueled by the discovery of major offshore oil reserves in 2015. President Nicolás Maduro hailed the referendum as a victory, but Guyana and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have condemned the move. The ICJ has yet to deliver its ruling on the matter. Any attempt by Venezuela to take the territory by force could result in a strong international backlash, potentially leading to a re-imposition of US sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports.