U.S. Southern Command said it is “surging” military forces in the region to assist in earthquake relief efforts.
Two U.S. Navy ships and aircraft in the Caribbean have been assigned to support the U.S. quake relief operations in Venezuela that are being led by the State Department, the command said.
The amphibious ships USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ships USS Billings are being moved closer to Venezuela to provide assistance.
Residents search for victims through the rubble of a collapsed building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, about 30 km northwest of Caracas, June 25, 2026, following an earthquake.
Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
In addition, transport aircraft and helicopters are being sent.
“These forces will provide specialized mobility services and support to U.S. government personnel, search and rescue teams, and U.S. interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver critical, life-saving assistance,” SOUTHCOM said in a statement.
-ABC News’ Luis Martinez
