U.S. Southern Command chief visits Venezuela to oversee $310 million earthquake relief

U.S. Southern Command head Gen. Francis L. Donovan arrived in Venezuela with Chargé d'Affaires John M. Barrett to inspect the distribution of American humanitarian assistance following the June 24 earthquakes that devastated La Guaira. The delegation toured the Maiquetía airport and the port of La Guaira, meeting Marines, Joint Task Force‑Bravo personnel and crew from the USS Fort Lauderdale who are operating communication and logistics nodes for the aid effort.

U.S. officials said more than $310 million in supplies, including 62,000 hygiene kits and food packets, have been delivered to affected communities, and that the distribution is “efficient, rapid and reliable.” The aid is being coordinated with Venezuelan authorities, including Delcy Rodríguez, and UN agencies. The U.S. denied any control of the airport tower, emphasizing its role in ensuring safe air operations while the airport remains damaged. Official casualty figures list 3,355 dead, 16,740 injured and 17,854 displaced.