US Marine Corps Major General Kevin J. Jarrard has landed in Caracas, Venezuela, to assume command of American relief operations following devastating twin earthquakes that have claimed at least 235 lives, the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on Friday.
Official Arrival and Mission Scope
In a statement posted on X, SOUTHCOM confirmed that Jarrard arrived in the Venezuelan capital to oversee Department of War support for earthquake relief efforts. The command, responsible for military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, is coordinating with the State Department to deliver aid. Jarrard will serve as the senior SOUTHCOM official on the ground, the statement added.
The interim Government of Venezuela formally requested US assistance following the seismic events, according to SOUTHCOM. A photograph accompanying the announcement showed Jarrard being greeted by two Venezuelan representatives at an undisclosed location.
Military Assets and Support Operations
US military forces will deploy fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft to provide specialized mobility services, including damage assessment and aid delivery. The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier stated that he immediately mobilized the War Department at President Donald Trump's direction to collaborate with the State Department in supporting the Venezuelan people.
The twin earthquakes struck earlier this week, causing widespread destruction across several regions. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid the rubble, while international aid begins to arrive.
