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Second military deployment in the midst of the emergency

A new contingent of United States Marines arrived in Venezuela this Sunday to join the search and rescue efforts after the two earthquakes recorded last Wednesday. According to the US embassy in Caracas, members of the Litoral Combat Force-24, along with sailors from the USS Fort Lauderdale, disembarked in the port of La Guaira with heavy vehicles and supplies.

Simultaneously, another group of Marines arrived by air in Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopters to work in the most affected areas. It is the second deployment since the emergency began; the first, two days ago, included military engineers and rescue specialists.

Cooperation with the new Venezuelan government

The arrival occurs almost six months after Nicolás Maduro was captured in Caracas by US forces and transferred out of the country. After that event, the then vice president Delcy Rodríguez assumed power and changed relations with Washington.

Rodríguez has publicly thanked the assistance of the United States and confirmed conversations with the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to coordinate aid in the face of the humanitarian crisis. Cooperation is managed by the State Department with support from the Southern Command.

On the ground, operations are under the supervision of Marine Major General Kevin J. Jarrard, in charge of facilitating the rescue and distribution of assistance to the affected population.

Rescue in Caraballeda

Three days after the earthquakes that shook Venezuela, elements of the Mexican Army managed to rescue an 11-year-old boy who remained under the rubble in Caraballeda, La Guaira state. The president in charge Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the discovery on the night of June 27.

The operation, led by personnel from the Ministry of National Defense sent as part of Mexico’s humanitarian aid, was recorded in a video released by journalist Enrique Acevedo. In the images you can see the soldiers extracting the minor on an orange stretcher, coordinating each movement to avoid hurting him.

The boy, visibly weakened more than 72 hours after the disaster, received constant instructions not to fall asleep. During the rescue, a Mexican soldier started a conversation with him, asking him his age, what year he was in and what his favorite color was, in order to keep him conscious and calm.

The images of the rescue generated reactions of recognition and gratitude on social networks. Among the comments stand out:

“They carry the name of Mexico high, this is Mexico… those who break their hearts to do good, how proud our Mexican army is.”

“Something very important, ask questions to discover the condition of the rescued and at the same time try to reassure him, let’s hope the child recovers.”

“We Venezuelans give a million thanks to the Mexicans, especially to their moles. It breaks my heart to see the face of this child fighting to live.”

“What geniuses these rescuers are trying to give peace of mind to that child amidst so much chaos, asking him questions about his daily life! Nationality does not matter, the humanity of these men matters. Thank you and strength to the Venezuelan people!”

“Thank you Mexico, we will never forget this.”

After being removed from the collapse area, the minor was transferred to receive medical attention. The double earthquake left the country in a state of emergency and international aid continues to reach the most affected areas.

Devastation in La Guaira and global response

The Venezuelan authorities blocked access to La Guaira, the area hardest hit by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes. So far, at least 1,430 deaths, more than 3,200 injuries and nearly 69,000 people are reported missing.

Rescuers from several countries work tirelessly. The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, reported that they are trying to free Onai Quiñonez, trapped in an unstable structure. “First God, we are going to achieve it,” he wrote in X, where he shared images of the operation.

Gustavo Petro, his Colombian counterpart, insisted: “This is the time to unlock Venezuela, President Donald Trump.” The US Treasury temporarily suspended some sanctions until October 23 to facilitate humanitarian aid.

Miracles among the rubble

The State Department confirmed the rescue of a baby alive, after 72 hours. “Despite impossible circumstances, hope endures,” he posted.

In Playa los Cocos, volunteers pulled out a man who, disoriented, was screaming for his family. Salvadoran teams rescued Marlene Angulo, 69, who asked for a Coca-Cola upon being released. Colombian rescuers found Moisés alive, an 11-year-old boy who was three meters under the rubble.

In Caraballeda, more than 200 bodies were placed outdoors for identification. Families face costs of $350 to $450 to cremate their loved ones. The Domingo Luciani Hospital, in Caracas, cares for numerous injured people with fractures and trauma.

Colombia reported at least 24 dead citizens and repatriated 47, including 19 child athletes. Mexican rescuers ask for silence among the rubble, waiting for signs of life.

International solidarity does not cease, but the magnitude of the tragedy is still measured between pain and hope.