Brigadier Omar Khan Sends a Clear Signal — Guyana Stands Ready and United

As geopolitical tensions rise in the region, Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), has downplayed the immediacy of Venezuela’s threats over the disputed Essequibo region, categorising them as “political theatre” rather than a military threat.

Khan delivered the remarks during the inaugural broadcast of Safeguarding the Nation, a new public engagement series streamed via Facebook. His statements provide a critical update on Guyana’s national security posture in response to Caracas’ intensified territorial rhetoric.

 “Venezuela and their claim to the Essequibo is more political theatre than a military threat,” said Brigadier Khan. While the threat is assessed as low in terms of direct military confrontation, the GDF remains on heightened alert. Khan emphasized that Guyana’s military readiness is anchored in the DIME strategic doctrine—Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic considerations—a comprehensive U.S.-aligned defense model.

 “We are operating within our defence policy of the DIME construct… but integral in this process is our partnership with the United States—our most important and strategic partner,” Khan affirmed.

 Khan’s remarks reflect Guyana’s deepening security and intelligence partnership with the United States, a move likely to bolster international investor confidence amid regional uncertainty. This alliance also reinforces Guyana’s standing as a rule-of-law-based democracy committed to international norms and multilateral cooperation.

Despite the GDF’s smaller size relative to the Venezuelan National Army, Khan assured the public that the force’s emphasis on strategic deterrence, intelligence operations, and agility enables it to effectively defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

 Brigadier Khan also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis along Guyana’s western border, as thousands of Venezuelans continue to cross into Guyana seeking refuge. He confirmed that the GDF is actively managing the situation through a multi-agency response, balancing compassion with national security: 

​•​Comprehensive screening and documentation of incoming migrants

​•​Collaboration with the Ministry of Health and regional authorities

​•​Strengthened border patrols and coordination protocols 

“While Guyana is approaching this with compassion, we are committed to safe borders,” Khan noted. 

The GDF’s experience in humanitarian relief operations further underscores its capacity. Over the past several years, the force has conducted over 200 disaster response and support missions across Guyana and the region. Recent deployments include:

​•​Emergency relief in Grenada following Hurricane Beryl

​•​Reconstruction support in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

These efforts have helped solidify Guyana’s role as a reliable regional partner, increasing its geopolitical credibility and institutional resilience.