A senior U.S. military official has arrived in Caracas to direct American relief operations after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 235 people, the U.S. military announced Friday.
“US Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, today to oversee Department of War support for Venezuelan earthquake relief efforts,” the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees Latin America and the Caribbean, said in a statement.
SOUTHCOM noted that it is assisting State Department–led relief operations, with Jarrard serving as the senior SOUTHCOM representative on the ground. “The interim Government of Venezuela formally requested US support following the earthquakes,” the statement added.
The announcement included a photo showing Jarrard being received by what appeared to be two Venezuelan officials at an undisclosed location.
According to SOUTHCOM, U.S. forces will use both fixed‑wing and rotary aircraft to provide specialized mobility support, assess damage, and help deliver aid.
Earlier, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had “immediately mobilized the War Department,” following instructions from President Donald Trump, to work with the State Department in assisting the Venezuelan people.
