Pentagon has deployed about 2,000 troops to assist Venezuela

The Pentagon has deployed about 2,000 military personnel to assist Venezuela, which has been hit by major earthquakes, commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) General Francis Donovan said.

"Right now, the US military, the Department of War, has roughly 2,000 teammates in the area on land, air, and sea around Venezuela. They are working hard daily to help in the search and rescue efforts, to help in the recovery efforts, to deliver needed supplies," Donovan told a briefing, the transcript of which was released by the US State Department.

The general reiterated that the US military will continue to assist Venezuela until "the job is done."

In June, the US State Department announced the Pentagon’s participation in US relief efforts for earthquake victims in Venezuela.

According to the latest data from Venezuelan authorities, 2,295 people were killed in the two earthquakes on June 24, and more than 11,200 were injured. A total of 6,461 people were rescued from the rubble. Temporary shelters continue to house approximately 30,000 victims.