U.S. sends hundreds of military personnel and equipment to Venezuela for earthquake relief

The United States has significantly bolstered its support for Venezuela's earthquake recovery by deploying over 200 military personnel and crucial equipment. This enhanced deployment aims to assist the Venezuelan government in its response to the devastating earthquakes that recently struck the Caribbean nation.

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The U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) reported that among the deployed personnel are nearly 100 members of the air force, specialized in aerodrome management, to help the Venezuelan government safely expand the arrival and departure of flights from Simón Bolívar International Airport.

Key to the U.S. effort is the deployment of approximately 100 U.S. Air Force specialists focused on airfield management. Their mission is to help safely expand flight operations at Simón Bolívar International Airport, Caracas's main air terminal, which sustained significant damage and is operating partially. Additionally, around 130 U.S. Marines are expected to arrive at the port of La Guaira, which was rendered inoperable. In collaboration with Venezuelan authorities, these marines will work to reopen the port to facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid and equipment to the most affected areas.

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In the next 24 hours, about 130 marines will also arrive at the port of La Guaira, which was out of service.

The U.S. military's contribution extends to providing several military helicopters to transport State Department personnel overseeing Washington's disaster relief mission. Furthermore, the U.S. Space Force is supplying satellite imagery of affected communities and damaged infrastructure, aiding rescue teams in assessing urgent needs. This military support complements the humanitarian aid package promised by the U.S., totaling $150 million, with $100 million allocated to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Venezuela and $50 million to on-the-ground organizations.

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In coordination with Venezuelan authorities, the U.S. military will work to 'reopen the port terminal' and facilitate the arrival by sea of humanitarian aid and equipment to the most affected areas.

Venezuela has received over 1,600 rescuers to assist earthquake victims, according to the Venezuelan Vice Minister for Europe and North America, Oliver Blanco. The recent earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have resulted in at least 1,450 fatalities, 3,150 injuries, and affected 12,721 families. The U.S. deployment, including search and rescue brigades from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles, California, signifies a substantial commitment to aiding Venezuela's recovery.

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The U.S. Space Force is providing satellite imagery to affected communities and damaged infrastructure to help rescue teams 'assess where assistance is most urgently needed.'