The United States says its Venezuela relief efforts have received full cooperation from the country’s interim authorities after devastating earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Officials described this cooperation as essential to the ongoing Venezuela relief efforts while emergency aid continues reaching affected communities.
Two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela last week. The disaster caused widespread destruction and left nearly 2,000 people dead. Authorities expect the death toll to increase as rescue teams continue searching damaged buildings and debris.
U.S. officials said the interim authorities approved every request made during the humanitarian response. They also reported strong support from local communities for American personnel carrying out rescue and recovery operations.
The emergency response includes $150 million in humanitarian assistance. The funding supports rescue operations, emergency relief, and long-term recovery efforts. Multiple government agencies are delivering the assistance alongside emergency response teams on the ground.
A Disaster Assistance Response Team with more than 250 personnel has deployed to the affected areas. The mission includes three specialized Urban Search-and-Rescue teams. These units locate survivors, conduct complex rescue missions, and provide other critical emergency services.
The U.S. military has also supported the mission through logistical assistance. It has helped transport personnel, emergency supplies, and specialized equipment to affected communities. Officials said these combined efforts have improved access to disaster zones and accelerated rescue operations.
The humanitarian mission follows major political developments earlier this year. On January 3, U.S. special forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a nighttime operation. They entered the presidential palace, overcame his security detail, and took him into custody. Authorities transferred Maduro to the United States, where he remains in custody awaiting trial on narco-terrorism and firearms-related charges.
Maduro’s arrest triggered strong political reactions within the United States. Several Democratic lawmakers criticized the operation. They questioned its legality under international law and the U.S. Constitution.
Sen. Bernie Sanders said the operation risked violating international law. Rep. Rashida Tlaib called the United States a “rogue state.” She also said Americans did not want another regime change conflict abroad. Sen. Chris Murphy also challenged the legal basis for the operation. He argued that Maduro’s disputed election did not authorize military intervention without congressional approval or establish a valid national security justification.
After Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s Supreme Court installed Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. Since then, the two countries have restored diplomatic relations on a temporary basis.
U.S. officials stressed that the current cooperation applies only to the humanitarian emergency. They also said Washington does not consider Rodríguez’s interim presidency a permanent political solution.
Rescue operations continue across the earthquake zone. Officials said their immediate priority is saving lives, assisting displaced residents, and delivering emergency supplies. They added that Venezuela relief efforts will continue while humanitarian conditions require international assistance and cooperation.
