Gunfire from Venezuelan Shore Targets Guyana Election Ballot Escort in Upper Cuyuni River

Nine commission officials were aboard the vessels during the event. The patrol returned fire and maneuvered to safety without injuries or damage to election materials.

GUYANA-VENEZUELA BORDER — On August 31, 2025, a joint services patrol in Guyana escorting ballot boxes and officials along the Upper Cuyuni River came under fire from the Venezuelan shore near Bamboo.

Map: Venezuela and Guyana. Credit: SurinameCentral, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia

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The escort team, consisting of ranks from the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force, supported the Guyana Elections Commission's distribution to remote polling stations in Region 7. Nine commission officials were aboard the vessels during the event. The patrol returned fire and maneuvered to safety without injuries or damage to election materials.

Map: Venezuela and Guyana. Credit: Aquintero82, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia

The team proceeded to deliver the remaining ballot boxes to Cumang Landing, Kurutuku, and Dukquarie Landing. An earlier delivery at Tumbung occurred without issue. The joint services continue coordination with the commission to secure election operations. An investigation into the gunfire remains ongoing.

Acronym Index

GECOM: Guyana Elections Commission

Incident Details