The tension between Guyana and Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region has reached new heights, prompting the UN Security Council to call for an urgent meeting. In response, the United States announced joint military flight drills in Guyana, signaling its concern over the threat posed by Venezuela's authoritarian Leftist government.

The dispute over the Essequibo region, which constitutes two-thirds of Guyana's territory, has been escalating since ExxonMobil discovered oil there in 2015. Venezuela, however, also claims the area and recently conducted a controversial referendum claiming overwhelming support for bringing the region under its rule. This move has alarmed the international community and drawn attention to the potential threat to regional peace and security.

The US Embassy in Georgetown released a statement announcing the joint military flight drills, stating that they are part of routine engagement and operations to enhance security partnership with Guyana. This move indicates Washington's support for Guyana's sovereignty and its commitment to protecting the region from any potential aggression.

In addition to the US military involvement, the UN Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting in New York to discuss the escalating tensions. Hugh Todd, the foreign minister of Guyana, sent a letter to the council's president, calling for an urgent meeting to address the "grave matter" that threatens international peace and security. Todd emphasized that Venezuela's conduct constitutes a direct threat to Guyana's peace and security and the broader region.

The situation has also raised concerns in neighboring Brazil, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressing growing concern about the tension along Brazil's northern border. He emphasized the importance of avoiding war in South America during a summit of the Mercosur regional bloc. In response, the Brazilian army announced reinforcements in the northern cities of Pacaraima and Boa Vista to protect the inviolability of the territory.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Guyana remains committed to a diplomatic solution. President Irfaan Ali stated that their first line of defense is diplomacy and that they have reached out to leaders abroad, including the United States, India, and Cuba, seeking their support in encouraging Venezuela to pursue a peaceful resolution.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has proposed a bill to create a Venezuelan province in the disputed Essequibo region and ordered the state oil company to issue licenses for oil extraction there. This move has further escalated tensions, with Guyana's President Ali referring to it as a "direct threat" against his country. Guyana's armed forces are on alert and in contact with their partners, including the United States.

The situation took another turn when Venezuela confirmed the arrest of an American citizen, Savoi Jadon Wright, on accusations of conspiring with ExxonMobil to stop the referendum. This arrest has raised questions about the involvement of foreign actors in the escalating dispute.

Litigation on the region's borders is pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, but Venezuela does not recognize the court's jurisdiction in the matter. The ICJ recently ordered Venezuela to refrain from taking any action that would modify the current situation in the disputed territory. However, it did not grant Guyana's request to stop the referendum.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging a peaceful resolution. The joint military flight drills by the United States, the UN Security Council's urgent meeting, and the diplomatic efforts of Guyana and its allies reflect the gravity of the situation and the need for a diplomatic solution to avoid further escalation.