The U.S. military continued relief efforts in Venezuela on Friday with the delivery of the final contingent of 10 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) to assist victims of last week's deadly earthquakes. The vehicles are being used to support logistics efforts and deliver urgently needed assistance to local communities, according to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft transported the last of the MTVRs, which have previously seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan and have been utilized in contingency and humanitarian operations. The crews will support the transport of aid to disaster-affected areas.
At Simón Bolívar International Airport, near the capital of Caracas, the U.S. military’s Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center (HACC) has been working with local authorities, the State Department, and other agencies to support disaster relief.
Marine, Navy, and Army vertical-lift and rotary-wing aircraft have also been conducting airlift and transport flights, delivering supplies such as pre-packaged, self-contained meals for survivors and displaced individuals, SOUTHCOM reported.
The USS Fort Lauderdale remains stationed at the Port of La Guaira, providing communication support and serving as a distribution point for aid.
The Trump administration has committed $150 million in humanitarian relief to Venezuela following the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes. The administration has also assembled a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), comprising over 250 individuals, including three specialized Urban Search-and-Rescue (USAR) teams.
Secretary Rubio, speaking from Manama, Bahrain, outlined the U.S. government's response, emphasizing the urgency to save lives and President Trump's commitment to supporting Venezuela and collaborating with international partners on recovery and long-term stability. The death toll from the earthquakes has risen to nearly 2,000.