Ali warns of possible coordinated plot after firebomb attack on Guyana power substation

GEORGETOWN, Guyana. President Irfaan Ali says intelligence points to a possible coordinated criminal conspiracy to harm or intimidate citizens, damage property and disrupt essential services in Guyana, as investigations continue into a Molotov cocktail attack on a major electricity substation.

In a national security address delivered on social media on Thursday, Ali said credible intelligence gathered by Guyanese authorities with international partners suggested links between inflammatory statements circulating online and planned criminal activity.

"Intelligence further indicates the possible existence of a centrally coordinated conspiracy intended to harm or intimidate individuals, destroy or damage public and private property, disrupt essential services and economic activity, and create disorder and undermine national security," he said.

He said there were also indications of the possible movement of senior members of Tren de Aragua, which has been designated a terrorist organisation.

Substation attack

Ali described what he called a deliberate attack on Guyana Power and Light's Good Hope substation on the East Coast of Demerara. He said two people were captured on CCTV throwing Molotov cocktails, known locally as channa bombs, at the facility at about 10.45pm on 10 November. They reportedly targeted a transformer before fleeing. No damage was reported.

The president said security agencies had received intelligence about possible attacks on infrastructure, allowing them to strengthen security at vulnerable facilities. He also said that days before the incident, two politically affiliated individuals had been captured in conversation discussing the making of incendiary devices.

Investigators are working to identify the people seen on CCTV and to establish whether the attack was coordinated with others, whether other facilities or people were potential targets, and whether there were organisers or financiers involved.

"I want to make it clear that all perpetrators, including intellectual authors, will be pursued relentlessly with the fullness of the law," Ali said.

Warning on incitement

He warned that people using social media to incite violence or threaten citizens would face the full force of the law, and cautioned against burning tyres, blocking roads, sabotaging infrastructure or threatening officials and private citizens. Such conduct could attract charges under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, including terrorism-related offences, where the legal requirements are met, he said.

Ali said the government respects the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, but that those rights do not extend to violence, intimidation, destruction of property or criminal incitement.

"Guyana will not be allowed to become a haven for organised criminal networks," he said, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and report suspicious activity.