BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil "has intensified defensive actions" along its northern border as it monitors a territorial dispute between its neighbors, Guyana and Venezuela, the country's defense ministry said on Wednesday.
Defensive actions have been intensified in the northern border region of the country, promoting a greater military presence," it said in a statement.
Venezuela's claims on the Esequiba, which have been the source of a long-running territorial dispute, were reignited in recent years after Guyana's discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to rule on Friday on a request by Guyana that the referendum be called off.
The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Brazil's actions.
Persons:
Ricardo Brito, Peter Frontini, Vivian Sequera, Gabriel Stargardter, Diane Craft, Sandra Maler
Organizations:
Reuters, Ministry of Defense, Court of Justice
Locations:
BRASILIA, Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, Venezuelan, Caracas