U.S. Southern Command sends more aid to Venezuela

June 28, 2026

1–2 minutes

Summary

U.S. Southern Command said it would send more military assets to support Venezuela’s earthquake relief effort.

Why this matters

The deployment adds U.S. military support to a major earthquake response in Venezuela. It also reflects a significant change in U.S.-Venezuela relations after years of tension.

U.S. Southern Command said Saturday it would send additional military assets to support earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela after the quakes that struck Wednesday.

The Pentagon directed U.S. Southern Command on Thursday to coordinate with other U.S. agencies mobilizing to provide support.

In a news release, Southern Command said its latest deployments included additional military assets. It also said Venezuela’s government had requested the U.S. assistance.

In January, U.S. special operations forces carried out a raid that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Since then, an interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez has taken power in Venezuela and pursued a more cooperative approach toward Washington.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. response reflected Washington’s renewed focus on the region.

“The United States is committed to our hemisphere,” Hegseth said. “When the lives of our friends are on the line, America moves.”

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