Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela. Known as the political and administrative center of Venezuela, historically marked by political instability and authoritarian governance under successive regimes. Recently, Caracas has seen significant U.S. and Israeli military and diplomatic engagement, including earthquake relief operations and bilateral security talks. Last updated 4 days ago
The IDF's Home Front Command is running its longest-ever humanitarian mission in La Guaira, Venezuela, near Caracas.
Roughly 32 Israeli experts are on the ground helping local authorities move from emergency response to rehabilitation after hundreds of buildings were destroyed. Mission commander Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yossi Pinto says the effort is in its third week and will run for months, even years.
Israel sent an official delegation to Venezuela following the earthquake, despite the two countries severing ties 17 years ago.
Unlike foreign rescue teams, the Israeli mission was tasked with building a national plan for reconstruction and building demolition. It is headed by Home Front Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Elad Edri.
An estimated 3,000 people were killed, with hundreds still missing. The quakes destroyed entire neighborhoods in the coastal area below Caracas.
The Israeli aid delegation sent to Caracas to help earthquake victims has had its location exposed online by pro-Palestinian activists in Venezuela.
In posts circulated on social media, the activists wrote: "17 years after the severance of...
The Israeli aid delegation sent to Caracas to help earthquake victims has had its location exposed online by pro-Palestinian activists in Venezuela.
In posts circulated on social media, the activists wrote: "17 years after the severance of relations, the Israelis are coming to save the Venezuelans - after the crimes they committed in Gaza. Shame on the Venezuelan government for welcoming the arrival of the delegation, meeting and working with it."
The campaign carried the slogan "No Los Queremos Aqui" - "We don't want them here."
"U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, today, to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts.
Maj. Gen. Jarrard is serving as the senior ...
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM):
"U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, today, to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts.
Maj. Gen. Jarrard is serving as the senior U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) official on the ground and is working closely with partners to plan, coordinate, and direct the U.S. military’s unparalleled logistical and operational capabilities to support the rapid, life-saving movement of response personnel, equipment, and humanitarian assistance into affected areas.
SOUTHCOM is supporting Department of State-led U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation June 24, 2026. The interim Government of Venezuela formally requested U.S. support following the earthquakes.
Assigned U.S. military forces will utilize fixed and rotor wing aircraft to provide specialized mobility services and assist U.S. Government personnel, search and rescue teams, and partners assessing damage and delivering critical life-saving assistance."
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela at 6:04 PM local time. The epicenter was located 28 km northwest of Montalbán, Carabobo state, at a depth of 13.2 km.
Shaking was felt across Caracas, Valencia, Puerto Cabello, La Guaira, and parts of Colombia.
* Twin quakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 hit near San Felipe, west of Caracas.
* Structural collapses reported in multiple cities.
* USGS estimates about 8 million people felt strong shaking.
* Preliminary modeling suggests a potentially high death toll, possibly in the thousands.
SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis Donovan made his second official visit to Caracas today, holding bilateral discussions with senior interim government leaders and observing a joint military response exercise. Two Marine MV-22B Ospreys transported Donovan and U.S. service members to the Venezuelan capital as part of the exercise. SOUTHCOM reaffirmed U.S. commitment to President Trump's three-phase plan and the stabilization of Venezuela.
In a joint effort with the Venezuela and IAEA support, the United States has safely removed and transported all remaining enriched uranium (about 13.5 kg, enriched to just above 20% U-235) from the shutdown RV-1 research reactor near Caracas.
