U.S. Support for Relief Efforts in Venezuela

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is actively supporting the State Department’s efforts in Venezuela following a devastating earthquake last week.

On Wednesday night, two significant earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck the region. As of now, Venezuelan authorities report a death toll of at least 1,450, with around 3,150 others injured.

In the immediate aftermath, the U.S. initiated a relief operation led by the State Department, deploying trained rescue teams and essential equipment to locate those trapped under the debris of numerous collapsed buildings. The northern state of La Guaira was particularly affected and has been declared a “disaster zone” by Venezuela’s socialist government.

Shortly after, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to oversee the coordination of relief efforts as the senior Southcom official present.

According to a recent statement from Southcom, U.S. Marines are currently assisting in the ongoing relief operations. They announced plans to deploy a Contingency Response Force (CRE) to aid Venezuelan authorities with inspections, assessments, and airfield management, aiming to restore safe air traffic in the impacted regions.

Around 130 U.S. Marine Corps personnel are also expected to reach the Port of La Guaira to facilitate its reopening, which had been necessary due to the earthquake’s impact. Restoring access to major ports will be vital for bringing in supplies to the areas most affected by the disaster.

In a social media update, Southcom stated, “The United States stands with the people of Venezuela, mobilizing an unprecedented response to support the country’s earthquake relief efforts.” They noted that the Department of the Army is collaborating with the State Department on this initiative.

A video released by Southcom shows Venezuelans expressing heartfelt gratitude towards the U.S. Marines who have arrived to assist in search and rescue operations.

Decades of mismanagement by the socialist government have left Venezuela’s infrastructure vulnerable, making it increasingly difficult to handle such disasters. The current leadership, under “Acting President” Delcy Rodriguez, is struggling to manage the crisis independently.

Consequently, assistance from the U.S. and other nations has become essential as search and rescue operations persist in the nation.

Interestingly, reports indicate that the U.S. effectively mobilized its relief efforts without relying on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has historically operated separately from the State Department. In 2025, President Trump dissolved USAID and incorporated its functions into the State Department, a decision that sparked significant controversy. A State Department investigation had previously identified critical shortcomings at USAID that could hinder relief efforts in Venezuela.