U.S. Troops Aid Venezuela After Earthquakes

U.S. troops have been instrumental in unloading aid from an Air China flight to Venezuela, marking the only assistance from China since the country faced two devastating earthquakes. The Air China plane landed at Simón Bolívar Airport on July 6, following the quakes on June 24. U.S. soldiers played a key role in facilitating the disaster response and aid distribution.

“Secretary Rubio promised the Trump administration’s response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela would be big, fast and effective. We continue to deliver on that commitment,” stated Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesman. This commitment led to more than 1.5 million pounds of assistance being transported into Venezuela.

A major effort involved repairing Simón Bolívar Airport, situated near Caracas, which was significantly damaged due to the earthquakes. The U.S. military’s quick repairs made it possible for large aircraft to continue landing there, aiding international relief efforts.

GEM, a Florida-based nonprofit, is aiming to deliver 100,000 boxes of supplies to Venezuela monthly for the coming months. Their aid shipments have already included around 1 million pounds of materials, featuring thousands of hygiene kits, tents, and generators.

The GEM President, Michael Capponi, highlighted the logistical challenges now compared to when Nicolás Maduro was in power. Capponi explained that aid is handled entirely by U.S. personnel without Venezuelan government intervention.

The U.S. has pledged over $386 million in aid to Venezuela, channeling through trusted partners. Meanwhile, Chinese state media reported a $14.72 million commitment from China for financial and material aid to the country.

Approximately 4,734 fatalities from the earthquakes have been reported, with another 16,740 individuals injured and nearly 18,000 left homeless. The catastrophic events led to the destruction of 190 buildings and damage to more than 850 others according to Venezuelan authorities.