US deploys military forces to Venezuela for earthquake relief

The United States announced on Thursday it is deploying military forces to Venezuela to aid in relief operations following devastating earthquakes, responding to a formal request from Venezuelan authorities.

According to a statement from the Southern Command, the deployment includes an amphibious transport ship, a combat ship, transport aircraft, and rotary-wing aircraft. Commander General Francis L. Donovan detailed that these forces will offer specialized mobility and support to US government personnel, search and rescue teams, and interagency partners. Their mission is to assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver vital emergency assistance.

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These forces will provide specialized mobility and support to US government personnel, to search and rescue teams, and to US interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver vital emergency assistance.

The US stated it will continue to collaborate closely with Venezuelan interim authorities to plan, coordinate, and direct the US armed forces in support of rapid relief operations in the earthquake-stricken zones. The US Southern Command highlighted on social media that these rotary-wing aircraft have been crucial lifelines in multiple disaster relief missions.

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US SOUTHCOM is sending rotary-wing aircraft to support @StateDept-led U.S. government earthquake relief operations in Venezuela. These aircraft will provide critical…