GUYANA-BORDER-Guyana wants clarification from Venezuela regarding military build up on the borders.

The Guyana government Wednesday said it had 'requested' an explanation from Venezuela amid various reports that the South American country had been increasing 'personnel' and executing military exercises 'by Venezuelan troops in close vicinity to our borders'.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, noted that the government has 'taken careful note of the various social media posts' regarding the movement of the troops.

'The Government wishes to advise that every piece of information is taken seriously and is being examined in detail. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has also been reviewing these reports.

'To this end, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation requested today an explanation from the Venezuelan Ambassador who claimed that the mobilization of troops was geared towards curbing illegal mining operations,' the statement said.

It said that the government 'remains on guard and has nevertheless shared the increased military activities by Venezuela taking place on its border with CARICOM Heads and other international partners'.

On Tuesday, the head of the GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, sought to reassure Guyanese that they need not be worried by the movement of soldiers.

'If there is any need to alert on developments outside of the norm, we have a duty to make it known,' Khan told the online Demerara Waves Online News.

Media reports here have reported...