RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:WarLook up a map of Guyana. Venezuela claims all territory of Guyana west of the Essequibo River. Extend that out 200 miles perpendicular to the coast line and that ocean area within 200 nautical miles is the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country who has sovereignty as per the Law of the Sea protocols signed by all nations. Venezuela says that Exxon's stuff falls within their EEZ. Anyway, the US Southern Command headquarterd in Florida with forward base in Curacao is protecting American interests until they sort this out. Here's what international law says: The coastal state's sovereignty extends to the territorial sea, including its seabed, subsoil and air space, above it. Article 56 of the UNCLOS outlines parameters for the establishment of a country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from the country's coastline.