The United States has significantly expanded its military-backed humanitarian response to Venezuela's devastating earthquake, deploying additional aircraft, troops and specialised equipment as international relief operations intensify, according to Antigua News Room.
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced Monday that six U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft were scheduled to arrive in Venezuela carrying a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Logistics Company from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
The Marines are transporting heavy engineering equipment, water purification systems and other critical resources to support relief efforts requested by the Venezuelan government and coordinated by the U.S. State Department. Additional Air Force C-17 and C-130 Hercules aircraft continue ferrying personnel and supplies into the country as the mission grows in scale.
A Contingency Response Element comprising approximately 100 airmen, alongside a U.S. military Airfield Assessment Team, is working with Venezuelan authorities, local aviation officials and U.S. civilian agencies to expand airport capacity near the earthquake zone, enabling relief flights to operate more efficiently.
U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft are conducting flights between a logistics hub in Curaçao and affected areas of Venezuela, moving emergency personnel, supplies and equipment. The aircraft are also operating within Venezuela to directly support ongoing relief operations.
Southcom also confirmed that the Port of La Guaira has resumed operations, allowing the USS Fort Lauderdale to deliver urgently needed humanitarian supplies and equipment directly into the country.
U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopters are carrying out aerial assessments of earthquake-damaged communities while simultaneously transporting U.S. State Department personnel who are directing the American relief effort on the ground.
U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters and air crews from Joint Task Force-Bravo, based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, are providing additional airlift support, with more aircraft and personnel expected to arrive within the next two days.
The U.S. Space Force is also contributing to the response by supplying satellite imagery of damaged communities and infrastructure, helping emergency planners identify priority areas for life-saving assistance.
Southcom said planning for further military support remains ongoing, in coordination with the U.S. State Department, the Venezuelan government and international partners. Additional deployments will be announced once confirmed.
