General Francis L. Donovan, the head of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), made a visit to Venezuela on Monday to evaluate the humanitarian assistance efforts undertaken by the U.S. military after the catastrophic earthquakes that struck on June 24.
During his visit, Donovan was joined by John M. Barrett, the Acting Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Together, they assessed the search, rescue, and aid distribution operations carried out by U.S. forces in cooperation with the State Department, according to a statement from SOUTHCOM on X.
The U.S. Embassy described the operation as "unprecedented," emphasizing that American military personnel are working "around the clock to deliver essential aid" to affected communities, underscoring President Donald Trump's "steadfast commitment" to addressing the crisis.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart, devastated northern Venezuela, causing severe damage in regions like La Guaira, Carabobo, and Aragua, as well as impacting large areas of Caracas.
The most recent official figures report 3,535 fatalities, 16,740 injuries, and over 17,800 people left homeless, with recovery efforts ongoing. International organizations warn that the number of missing persons might greatly exceed the figures acknowledged by Venezuelan authorities.
Approximately 2,000 personnel from various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have been mobilized, marking the largest humanitarian mission by Washington in Venezuelan territory in decades.
Key units deployed include the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Marine Regiment, part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Joint Task Force-Bravo, which specializes in disaster relief operations.
The amphibious ship USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), which docked at La Guaira port on June 27, serves as a logistical hub for storing and distributing humanitarian aid. Boats from this ship transport food, water, medical supplies, and other essential items to the most heavily impacted areas.
The mission has also been reinforced with over 300 American urban search and rescue specialists from teams in Miami-Dade, the city of Miami, Los Angeles, and Fairfax County.
Washington has increased its financial commitment to the crisis to over $300 million, doubling the aid initially announced in the days following the disaster.
Donovan's visit occurs amid a backdrop of unprecedented bilateral cooperation in recent years, following the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas in early 2026.
Concluding the inspection, Barrett remarked, "Under President Trump's leadership, the United States is spearheading the largest international earthquake response in Venezuela's modern history," highlighting the extensive humanitarian operation underway in the South American nation.
FAQs about U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Venezuela
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela?
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring just 39 seconds apart, causing widespread devastation in northern Venezuela.
How many U.S. military personnel are involved in the humanitarian mission in Venezuela?
Approximately 2,000 U.S. military personnel have been deployed to assist in the humanitarian mission, making it the largest of its kind in Venezuelan territory in decades.
What is the role of the USS Fort Lauderdale in the relief efforts?
The USS Fort Lauderdale serves as a logistical hub, supporting the storage and distribution of humanitarian supplies, crucial for delivering aid to the most affected areas.