U.S. Aircraft Take Part in Guyana's Presidential Inauguration Amid Tensions With Neighboring Venezuela

Two U.S. military aircraft conducted a coordinated flyover during the inauguration of Guyanese President Irfaan Ali's second term on Sunday, an event the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown described as a demonstration of "full solidarity" with the people of Guyana. The episode took place as tensions between the U.S. and neighboring Venezuela remain at an all time high.

"Today, two U.S. AV-8B Harrier II aircraft took part in a closely coordinated flyover during President Ali's inauguration," said the U.S. embassy in Guyana through a statement on its X account. "The flyover symbolizes our full solidarity with the people of Guyana as we advance our shared goals of peace, prosperity and regional security."

The post was accompanied with a video of both aircrafts flying across Guyana's airspace.

The embassy also congratulated Ali on his reelection and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to bilateral ties. "Our commitment to Guyana's continued growth and development remains strong and unwavering," said the statement:

Ali, whose People's Progressive Party/Civic secured 36 parliamentary seats in the recent election, pledged to serve "all citizens of this land, regardless of race, color, or creed" during his inauguration speech. "I maintain my commitment to collaborate with our international partners to safeguard the sovereignty of Guyana and promote our national interests," he added.

Ali expressed support for U.S. military deployments off Venezuela's coast last week, arguing they strengthen regional security. "We will support all that helps eliminate any threat to our security, not only when it comes to our sovereignty," he said. "We've repeatedly said that this region must be a zone of peace, and we will do whatever possible to guarantee it continues that way."

The show of support from Washington comes amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, which contests Guyana's sovereignty over the Essequibo region, a territory that makes up about two-thirds of Guyana's landmass. Caracas has pushed its claims since a 2023 referendum approved plans to incorporate the area as a Venezuelan province. The dispute has intensified with Guyana's granting of oil concessions in the territory.