U.S. search and rescue teams, backed by military assets, have deployed to Venezuela in response to two devastating earthquakes. The disaster has claimed at least 920 lives, left 51,000 people missing, and injured more than 3,300 others. In coordination with these efforts, the United Nations has dispatched 1,000 emergency workers to assist the overwhelmed nation’s recovery operations.
The U.S. military has been actively engaged in relief efforts since the earthquakes struck last week. In a press release issued Sunday, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated that military capabilities are continuing to arrive in Venezuela to support humanitarian aid requested by the Venezuelan government and coordinated by the U.S. State Department.
SOUTHCOM emphasized that its operations are entirely self-sustaining, ensuring that personnel on the ground do not utilize local resources while working to deliver critical assistance to the affected population.
Jorge Rodríguez, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, indicated on Sunday that the death toll has since risen to 1,450.
A U.S. military V-22 Osprey aircraft lands in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, Venezuela, on June 27, 2026, as part of rescue operations following earthquakes. (Federico PARRA / AFP via Getty Images)
In updates shared on X, SOUTHCOM highlighted the bravery of the Marines on the ground, stating that they are supporting both U.S. and international first responders in the areas most severely impacted by the seismic activity.
The command further noted that the Department of Defense continues to coordinate closely with the State Department to ensure aid reaches the communities in greatest need. These military forces are facilitating disaster assistance following the earthquakes that struck on June 24, 2026.
First responders aid a U.S. Marine climbing through rubble amid a search for survivors following earthquakes in Venezuela. (U.S. Southern Command on X)
Describing the urgency of the mission, SOUTHCOM wrote that crews are “racing against the clock” to save lives, operating day and night to support international search and rescue operations within earthquake-damaged structures across the hardest-hit communities.
