US military rushing aid to Venezuela after powerful twin earthquakes strike

International US military rushing aid to Venezuela after powerful twin earthquakes strike Comments: by Filip Timotija - 06/25/26 1:21 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Filip Timotija - 06/25/26 1:21 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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The U.S. military is working with the State Department and is rushing aid to Venezuela after powerful twin earthquakes hit the country overnight, killing more than 160 residents.

The U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) said Thursday, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, its 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.”

The command, which oversees U.S. forces in Central and South America, added that it has established an “operational planning team that includes experienced subject matter experts from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, who are advising staff and leadership responsible for disaster relief planning and mission-related decisions.”

“The command has also initiated close coordination with other partners and allies in the region who have pledged to join the international assistance underway to aid the people of Venezuela in their time of need,” Southcom continued in the statement.

The response from the U.S. military comes as rescue crews have ramped up their search for survivors Thursday after Venezuela was hit with the deadly quakes Wednesday, which have killed at least 164 people and injured close to a thousand.

The temblors caused buildings in Caracas, the South American nation’s capital, to collapse, videos shared online show.

The first earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was near San Felipe, a city west of Caracas. The second earthquake was registered at 7.5 magnitude.

The aid from the U.S. comes months after the U.S. military successfully captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and since then, Washington has forged closer ties with Caracas under the leadership of Delcy Rodríguez, a Maduro ally.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he spoke with Rodríguez on Thursday and that the U.S. was sending rescue teams.

“The Department of War stands ready to support the Government of Venezuela and the U.S. Department of State as it leads the U.S. Government’s response to yesterday’s devastating earthquakes,” the Pentagon said in a statement Thursday.

President Trump also responded to the disaster late Wednesday.

“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!”