Flight carrying 'mission of heart' takes 124 Vietnamese soldiers to Venezuela for earthquake relief

Hanoi – A special flight carrying 124 Vietnamese military and police personnel departed late on June 28, embarking on a mission of mercy to Venezuela following a devastating earthquake. The flight, designated VN66 by Vietnam Airlines and operated on an Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft, took off from Noi Bai International Airport.

The contingent includes specialized search and rescue teams, military medical personnel, engineers, and support staff. Alongside the personnel, the flight is transporting eight sniffer dogs, approximately 40 tons of specialized equipment, vehicles, and humanitarian aid supplies. The mission aims to support Venezuela's efforts in the aftermath of a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the nation on June 24.

This deployment is part of Vietnam's commitment to international humanitarian assistance. The earthquake, the strongest in Venezuela in 126 years, has resulted in at least 1,450 deaths, over 3,360 injuries, and an estimated 50,000 missing persons. The Vietnamese relief team is expected to operate in Venezuela for approximately 20 days.

Before departure, a send-off ceremony was held, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security. General Nguyễn Tân Cương, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, addressed the departing personnel, emphasizing the spirit of "helping friends is helping oneself." He noted that despite Venezuela not formally requesting international aid, numerous countries and organizations have already dispatched relief forces and supplies.

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Helping friends is helping oneself.