The US military has established a robust presence in Venezuela to support relief operations following the recent devastating earthquakes. According to General Francis Donovan, the commander of US Southern Command, more than 900 personnel are currently inside the country, with an additional 800 in Caribbean hubs Puerto Rico and Curacao.

Relief Efforts

The US forces have participated in search-and-rescue operations, helped get the airport up and running, and mobilized air and naval assets to allow for the arrival of humanitarian relief. The US military has also deployed at least four or five MQ-9 Reaper drones over Venezuela to bolster the intelligence picture for Venezuelan authorities.

The US military’s efforts have focused on helping ensure life-saving international aid doesn’t pile up at entry points. General Donovan emphasized that the broader operation is logistics-heavy, aiming to prevent aid from getting stuck and ensuring it reaches the affected areas.

US-Venezuela Relations

The deployment marks a significant turn of events in US-Venezuela relations, given the US military’s previous actions in the country. In January, the US carried out a raid to apprehend Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, and last month, the US military conducted a strike that killed the leader of a Venezuelan prison gang.

Despite these actions, General Donovan expressed hope that the US efforts could build stronger US military ties with Venezuela. He stated that the US military isn’t preparing for an enduring mission on the ground and will leave when the relief efforts are complete.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.