Reacting to reports in the Suriname press, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on March 6th said that an operation against illegal mining on February 19 was conducted by the GDF “exclusively in the undisputed sovereign territory” of Guyana.
The ministry was responding to what it noted was a series of statements emanating from the media in Suriname related to the February 19 operation conducted by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The ministry did not identify the reports.
In its statement, the ministry did not refer to the location but on February 22, the GDF said that a Joint Services operation had led to the discovery of a helicopter and an illegal mining site operated by Brazilians. Two persons, including the pilot of the helicopter, who are from neighbouring Brazil were taken into custody.
The GDF in its statement on February 22 said that the intelligence-led operation was carried out on February 19 in the New River Triangle.
The helicopter according to the GDF was delivering food at the camp site.
The GDF said one shotgun, 10 cellphones, a generator, mining equipment, passports, ID cards and a Bank Card were found at the camp.
Additionally, the GDF said a quantity of equipment was confiscated and the camp and mining tunnel was destroyed.
The operation GDF noted was conducted over a four-day period and included two officers and 27 ranks. The operation was supported by the air corps using Bell 412 and Shorts Helicopter.
Suriname has laid claim to the New River Triangle which is internationally recognised as Guyana’s territory.
