Washington’s swift disaster response clearest indication yet of how relationship with Caracas has evolved, but bigger challenges lie ahead
4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenTeresa Elena Frontadoin WashingtonPublished: 12:25am, 26 Jun 2026Updated: 12:26am, 26 Jun 2026The 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 164 people and injured nearly 1,000.Since a US operation removed Nicolas Maduro from power earlier this year and brought him to the United States to face trial, senior American civilian and military officials have made repeated visits to Caracas, working closely with interim President Delcy Rodriguez on security cooperation, economic recovery and the return of US oil companies.The devastating earthquake now provides the first major test of how that partnership performs under the pressure of a national emergency.
