Security – US Military Official Reaches Caracas to Lead Venezuela Earthquake Relief Mission
Security – Powerful earthquakes have left Venezuela facing a major humanitarian challenge, prompting an expanded international relief effort as recovery work continues across the affected regions.
The United States has stepped up its humanitarian response after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, leaving at least 235 people dead and causing widespread destruction. A senior American military official has now arrived in Caracas to coordinate the US government’s relief mission as rescue teams continue searching damaged communities for survivors.
Senior Military Officer Takes Charge of Relief Coordination
According to the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Major General Kevin J. Jarrard of the US Marine Corps reached the Venezuelan capital on Friday to oversee the Department of War’s support for ongoing earthquake relief activities. As the senior SOUTHCOM representative on the ground, Jarrard will coordinate military assistance being provided in partnership with the US State Department.
SOUTHCOM, which oversees US military operations across Latin America and the Caribbean, said the deployment is intended to strengthen logistics and improve the delivery of emergency assistance to communities affected by the disaster.
Venezuela Requested International Support
US officials said the interim Government of Venezuela formally requested assistance from Washington after the devastating earthquakes. In response, American authorities activated military resources to help transport emergency supplies, support damage assessments and improve access to affected areas where infrastructure has been heavily damaged.
A photograph released by SOUTHCOM showed Major General Jarrard being welcomed by Venezuelan representatives shortly after his arrival, although the location of the meeting was not disclosed.
Military Assets to Assist Humanitarian Operations
The US military said both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters will be used during the relief mission. These aircraft are expected to transport aid, move emergency personnel and assist officials in evaluating the scale of destruction across impacted regions.
Officials noted that military aviation capabilities will play an important role in reaching locations where roads have been damaged or access remains difficult because of debris left behind by the earthquakes.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts Continue
Emergency teams remain engaged in large-scale rescue and recovery operations as authorities work to locate missing people and provide assistance to displaced residents. The twin earthquakes caused severe damage to buildings and public infrastructure, leaving many communities in urgent need of food, shelter and medical support.
Recovery operations are expected to continue for an extended period as officials assess structural damage, restore essential services and coordinate humanitarian aid from domestic and international partners.
US Government Reaffirms Commitment
Earlier, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Department of War was mobilized immediately under the direction of President Donald Trump to support relief operations alongside the State Department. He stated that the United States remains committed to helping the Venezuelan people during the recovery process and will continue working with local authorities to deliver critical humanitarian assistance.
As rescue operations progress, officials from both countries are expected to maintain close coordination to ensure aid reaches the areas where it is needed most while supporting long-term recovery efforts.