U.S. Military Efforts in Venezuelan Earthquake Relief

The U.S. military has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in Venezuela following recent earthquakes. American troops unloaded aid from a Chinese flight, marking China’s only aid delivery to date.

Photos from the U.S. government show an Air China plane landing at Simón Bolívar Airport on July 6. This was nearly two weeks after the earthquakes that hit on June 24. U.S. soldiers supervised the unloading of supplies as they led disaster response efforts.

A U.S. State Department statement highlighted the quick and substantial American response. According to Tommy Pigott, State Department spokesperson, America’s intervention ensures aid reaches those in need through efficient coordination with the Department of War and partnerships between public and private sectors.

Since June 24, the U.S. moved over 1.5 million pounds of relief into Venezuela. A significant portion of the effort involved repairing the damaged runways at Simón Bolívar Airport near Caracas. A senior State Department official noted the importance of this repair work in allowing large aircraft to deliver international aid effectively.

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a nonprofit based in Florida, plans to send 100,000 boxes of supplies each month for the coming months. GEM has already shipped nearly 1 million pounds of aid, including 38,000 hygiene kits, 27,000 tents, tarps, and 48 generators.

The GEM founder, Michael Capponi, explained that delivering aid is easier now due to changes in Venezuela’s political landscape. Operations to transport supplies without Venezuelan government intervention are now possible.

The U.S. government has allocated over $386 million in aid through reliable partner organizations. The Chinese foreign minister also committed $14.72 million in financial and material aid to Venezuela.

In late June, the U.S. dispatched 300 search and rescue workers across Venezuela. Reports indicated these teams completed their mission and have since left the country.

As of July 13, official Venezuelan figures from Reuters report 4,734 deaths, 16,740 injuries, and nearly 18,000 displaced people due to the earthquakes. The disaster resulted in the destruction of 190 buildings and damage to over 850 structures.