US Southern Command mobilizes for Venezuela earthquake relief
US Southern Command said on Thursday it is coordinating with the State Department and international partners to deploy airlift and logistics capabilities to Venezuela, where two powerful earthquakes have killed at least 164 people and injured 971 others, according to acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said on Thursday it is mobilizing joint forces to support earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, establishing an operational planning team to coordinate disaster response activities with the State Department and international partners following Wednesday’s devastating tremors. “Our joint forces are moving quickly to bring the unmatched airlift, logistics, and lifesaving capabilities of the US military to help save lives and support the government of Venezuela during this crisis,” the command said in a statement. The announcement marks a rare instance of military cooperation between Washington and Caracas.
Rising Death Toll
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said Thursday the death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck the country rose to at least 164, with 971 others injured. The tremors hit Venezuela on Wednesday, prompting authorities to request international assistance and declare states of emergency in affected regions. SOUTHCOM said it is moving quickly to bring airlift and logistics capabilities to the region.
Relief Operations
The command noted it has formed an operational planning team to synchronize relief efforts with local authorities, according to the statement. International relief operations are expected to expand in the coming days as damage assessments continue. The earthquakes caused widespread destruction across the region, though specific infrastructure damage reports remained limited.
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