US Deploys Warships, Aircraft to Venezuela After Quakes

The United States is deploying warships, aircraft, and emergency personnel to Venezuela as part of a major international relief effort following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country’s Caribbean coast on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The back-to-back quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and damaging critical infrastructure.

U.S. Southern Command announced on Thursday, June 25, that it is mobilizing forces including the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale, the littoral combat ship USS Billings, and C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft. These assets will provide logistical support for search and rescue teams and U.S. government personnel as they assess damage and deliver aid. The State Department concurrently announced a $150 million assistance package, comprising $50 million in bilateral aid to humanitarian groups and a $100 million contribution to a United Nations fund for Venezuela.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Bahrain, described the U.S. response as a "whole-of-government" effort that would be big, fast, and effective. The U.S. is also deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team...