On Monday, the Cuban Medical Brigade in Venezuela shared the first images of Cuban rescue workers operating amidst the debris in La Guaira. These photos, posted on Facebook, were timestamped between 6:24 p.m. and 7:04 p.m. on June 29, 2026.
The pictures depict several members of the Special Brigade for Salvage and Rescue, easily identifiable by their vests labeled "SALVAGE" and "RESCUE CUBA." They are equipped with yellow and red helmets, and accompanied by at least two search dogs with light fur, wearing harnesses, actively working through the rubble.
The Cuban team arrived in Venezuela on Sunday and was welcomed in Caracas by the Venezuelan Vice Minister for Latin America, Mauricio Rodríguez, and Cuban Ambassador Jorge Mayo Fernández. The group includes three dogs trained specifically for locating individuals trapped under debris.
Propaganda and Criticism Amid Rescue Efforts
The official post accompanied the images with a promotional message: "Where pain tries to take hold, the strength of our Cuban rescue brigade rises in La Guaira. Compassionate hands that know no distance when it comes to saving lives."
This release comes at a time when the Cuban government faces criticism over its handling of missing Cuban nationals in Venezuela. At least 30 Cubans are reported missing beneath the rubble in areas such as Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales, as documented by citizen platforms like "Encuéntralos."
Official Reactions and Tragic Losses
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially refused to acknowledge these disappearances. Ana Teresita González Fraga, the General Director of Consular Affairs, stated on June 27, "We have no official confirmation" of Cubans injured, deceased, or missing.
On June 28, the tragic death of a Cuban family of six — Alain Rodríguez Rojas, Yadina de la Caridad Yáñez, Teresa Rojas Rodríguez, Raudel Diosdado Rodríguez, Dylan Xander Rodríguez Yáñez, and Gladys María Padrón — was confirmed, their bodies found beneath the wreckage.
Additionally, the death of a young girl, Vanessa Martínez, from Melena del Sur, was confirmed in the Coral Beach building in Los Corales, while her 10-year-old brother, Dayán, remains missing.
Criticism and International Aid
On June 27, Cuban official Abel Prieto, an advisor to the regime and president of the Casa de las Américas, criticized the U.S. humanitarian efforts. He dismissed the deployment, which included Miami-Dade rescuers, K-9 dogs, and $150 million in aid, as "humanitarian Rambos."
The devastating earthquakes on June 24, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and an epicenter in the state of Yaracuy, were the most destructive in Venezuela since 1900. As of Monday, the official death toll stands at 1,719, with over 5,034 injured, while the UN estimates up to 50,000 people missing.
Currently, more than 2,624 international rescuers from various countries are operating in Venezuela, utilizing 137 rescue dogs and 49 support vehicles. A second Cuban team with additional aid is expected to arrive soon.
Key Questions About Cuban Rescue Efforts in Venezuela
What is the role of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Venezuela?
The Cuban Medical Brigade is involved in rescue operations in La Guaira, providing aid and support amidst the debris following the recent earthquakes.
How has the Cuban government responded to criticisms about missing citizens?
Initially, the Cuban government was reluctant to officially recognize the disappearances, but they have faced ongoing criticism for their handling of the situation.
How significant were the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, are considered the most destructive in Venezuela since 1900, with a high death toll and thousands of people injured or missing.