The United States has expanded its military-backed humanitarian response to Venezuela’s devastating earthquake, deploying additional aircraft, troops and specialized equipment as international relief operations intensify.
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said Monday that six U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft were scheduled to arrive in Venezuela carrying a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Logistics Company from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
The Marines are bringing heavy engineering equipment, water purification systems and other resources to support ongoing relief efforts requested by the Venezuelan government and coordinated by the U.S. State Department.
Additional Air Force C-17 and C-130 Hercules aircraft continue transporting personnel and supplies into the country as the U.S. expands its humanitarian mission.
A Contingency Response Element made up of approximately 100 airmen, along with a U.S. military Airfield Assessment Team, is working with Venezuelan authorities, local aviation officials and U.S. civilian agencies to increase the capacity of airports near the earthquake zone, allowing relief flights to move more efficiently.
U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft continue operating between a logistics hub in Curaçao and affected areas of Venezuela, transporting emergency personnel, supplies and equipment. The aircraft are also conducting flights within Venezuela to support relief operations.
SOUTHCOM also confirmed that the Port of La Guaira has resumed operations, allowing the USS Fort Lauderdale to deliver critically needed humanitarian supplies and equipment directly into the country.
U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopters are carrying out aerial assessments of earthquake-damaged communities while transporting U.S. State Department personnel directing the American relief effort.
Meanwhile, U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters and air crews from Joint Task Force-Bravo, based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, are providing airlift support on the ground, with additional aircraft and personnel expected to arrive over the next two days.
The U.S. Space Force is also supporting the response by providing satellite imagery of damaged communities and infrastructure to help emergency planners identify priority areas for life-saving assistance.
SOUTHCOM said planning for additional military support remains underway in coordination with the U.S. State Department, the Venezuelan government and international partners assisting with the disaster response. Further deployments will be announced once confirmed.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: U.S. Expands Military Relief Mission in Venezuela as More Aircraft, Troops Arrive.