27/06/2026 12:20 - Actualidad
The 26 members of the Argentine Army who traveled to Venezuela arrived in Caracas on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 2:30 AM, becoming the first contingent from Argentina to join humanitarian assistance efforts after the earthquakes that struck the Caribbean nation on June 24, 2026.
The mission is under the command of Colonel Miguel Ángel Wissinger and was received by General in Chief Gustavo Enrique González López, Minister of Defense of Venezuela. The area of responsibility assigned to the Argentine contingent is the city of Caraballeda, in La Guaira state, one of the areas most affected by the earthquakes.
On June 24, 2026, Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 registered less than a minute apart, classified as a "seismic doublet." The epicenter was located near San Felipe, Yaracuy, approximately 200 km from Caracas, the capital city.
According to updated data, the preliminary death toll stands at 589 fatalities and 2,980 injured, with more than 50,000 people reported missing and 2,927 families affected. La Guaira state is among the hardest-hit areas, with over 250 buildings collapsed or severely damaged.
Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva reported that the USAR brigades coordinated by the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE) are now in Venezuela. Defense Minister Carlos Presti had previously announced that the Argentine Armed Forces maintain personnel and equipment ready to intervene in emergencies, in coordination with the Cabinet Office, the Foreign Ministry, and the AFE.
The Argentine Navy plays a central role in the deployment with specialized personnel, dog-handler teams, and a brigade to assist in locating survivors. Argentina joins other countries that have sent assistance, including Spain (54 rescuers), El Salvador (300 rescuers), the United States, and a donation of 100,000 euros from Pope Leo XIV.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
