Senior U.S. Military Official Arrives in Venezuela to Oversee Earthquake Relief Efforts

CARACAS (Central News Agency) – The U.S. military confirmed today that a high-ranking official has arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to oversee U.S. relief operations following two major earthquakes that have claimed at least 235 lives.

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, announced: "Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas today to oversee Department of Defense support for earthquake relief operations."

In a statement on X, SOUTHCOM noted it is supporting the U.S. Department of State’s mission, with Maj. Gen. Jarrard serving as the senior military representative on the ground. The statement added that the Venezuelan interim government had formally requested U.S. assistance following the disaster.

SOUTHCOM indicated that the U.S. military will provide fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to facilitate transport, damage assessment, and the delivery of supplies. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that, under President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense has been mobilized to work in coordination with the State Department to provide aid to the Venezuelan people.