CARACAS — The United States military has expanded its support for humanitarian operations in Venezuela following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country earlier this week, with U.S. officials saying the effort is focused on transporting emergency personnel, equipment and relief supplies as international rescue operations continue.
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said on Friday that military aircraft, ships and support teams were arriving in or deploying toward Venezuela as part of a U.S. government response led by the State Department and carried out at the request of the Venezuelan government. According to SOUTHCOM, the military is providing airlift, logistics and operational support rather than leading civilian relief efforts.
The command said U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft were transporting Urban Search and Rescue teams from the United States, while additional aircraft were delivering equipment to assist relief operations. U.S. Marine Corps aircraft were also assigned to support assessments of airport infrastructure affected by the earthquakes, according to the military.
"Our joint forces are moving quickly to bring the unmatched airlift, logistics, and lifesaving capabilities of the U.S. military to help save lives and support the Government of Venezuela during this crisis," SOUTHCOM said in a statement released this week.
The military said it had established a planning team that includes disaster-response specialists from the U.S. Agency for International Development's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and was coordinating with regional partners supporting the international response. U.S. officials have said the operation remains under civilian leadership through the State Department.
The earthquakes caused widespread damage in northern Venezuela, with buildings collapsing and transportation infrastructure disrupted. Venezuelan authorities and international responders have continued search-and-rescue efforts while assessing damage to hospitals, roads and airports. Casualty figures have continued to change, and officials have cautioned that the full extent of the disaster remains unclear.
Relief organizations, including the International Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies, have mobilized emergency assistance, while governments in the region and beyond have pledged personnel, medical support and supplies. Aid agencies have said damaged infrastructure and logistical challenges have complicated efforts to reach some affected communities.
As of Friday, U.S. officials said additional military assets remained available to support the broader humanitarian mission as requested. Venezuelan authorities and international organizations continued coordinating rescue, medical and relief operations, while assessments of humanitarian needs were ongoing.
