US Deploys Military in Caribbean to Help Venezuela Earthquake Victims

A team cleans debris in a building that collapsed after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 25, 2026. ANTARA/Diko Betancour - Anadolu Agency/pri.

JAKARTA - The United States will deploy its resources in the Department of War to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of the earthquake in Venezuela.

"The department has requested the unique capabilities of the US military to support disaster response and humanitarian assistance operations in Venezuela," said a US State Department statement quoted by Sputnik, Friday, June 26.

The Pentagon played a key role in securing logistics for the humanitarian response by utilizing military assets stationed in the region and deploying personnel to expedite the delivery of disaster relief.

"DART [Disaster Assistance and Response Team] and elements of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are working together to carry out a rescue effort in close coordination with partners on the ground," the department said.

Two powerful earthquakes with a magnitude (M) of 7.2 and 7.5 shook Venezuela on Wednesday.

The earthquake was followed by 30 aftershocks. At least 188 people were killed and more than 1,500 others were injured, while 157 people were reported missing. Many houses were also destroyed.

The state of La Guaira, near Caracas, was the most severely affected. A RIA Novosti correspondent reported that the state capital, the port city of La Guaira, was experiencing a power outage and without mobile or internet coverage.

In Macuto, the nine-story Edwards Hotel was completely destroyed.

Several regional hospitals are overwhelmed, shops are closed, and public transportation services are disrupted. Many people carrying suitcases and bags are seen on the streets. Most likely, they are trying to leave the city.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to the acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia was exploring options to provide humanitarian assistance to earthquake-stricken Venezuela.