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US-led relief effort puts Washington’s post-Maduro strategy in Venezuela to the test
Washington’s swift disaster response clearest indication yet of how relationship with Caracas has evolved, but bigger challenges lie ahead
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Teresa Elena Frontadoin Washington
The United States is mounting a large-scale humanitarian operation in Venezuela after twin earthquakes devastated the South American country, putting to the test Washington’s role as the most influential international partner in the country’s post-Maduro transition.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was deploying search-and-rescue teams, military logistics and humanitarian help after Wednesday’s magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which have killed at least 235 people and injured nearly 4,300.
Thousands more have been reported missing.
Washington also announced US$150 million in help to the South American country, to be disbursed through assistance partners on the ground.
A senior American military official arrived in Caracas to oversee US relief efforts, the US military said on Friday.
“US Marine Corps Major General Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, today, to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts,” said the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), whose area of responsibility covers Latin America and the Caribbean.
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