USA Send Military Ships to Venezuela in Response to Its Request for Assistance

The US will deploy additional military ships to Venezuela to assist with earthquake relief efforts.

Venezuela’s interim government has officially requested assistance from the US, according to US Southern Command.

In particular, the amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ship USS Billings will be deployed to Venezuela.

C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, as well as reconnaissance platforms and helicopters, will also be deployed.

These forces will provide support to US personnel, search-and-rescue teams, and partners as they assess the extent of the damage, search for survivors, and deliver critical aid.

Search-and-rescue operations are currently underway in Venezuela following the earthquake. The death toll stands at 235, with at least 4,300 injured.

The death toll and number of injured may continue to rise, as thousands of people are still missing following two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale that struck on June 24.