US military aids Venezuela after twin earthquakes, shifts from raid to relief

Following catastrophic earthquakes, the US military has sent more than 900 troops to Venezuela, along with approximately 800 additional personnel to Puerto Rico and Curacao to oversee relief efforts. General Francis Donovan, who leads US Southern Command, reported that American forces have engaged in search-and-rescue missions, reinstated airport functions, and deployed air and naval resources for humanitarian assistance. At least four or five MQ-9 Reaper drones are assisting Venezuelan officials by gathering intelligence on damaged infrastructure and road conditions. This development contrasts sharply with the events of January 3, when US forces attempted to apprehend then-president Nicolas Maduro for drug trafficking. Recently, the military also eliminated the head of the Tren de Aragua prison gang in collaboration with local law enforcement.