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In a marked shift from its involvement in military operations against the Venezuelan government, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and a contingent of US Marines have returned to the port of La Guaira, Venezuela, with the expressed purpose of providing disaster aid following a recent earthquake. This development marks a notable departure from the vessel’s involvement in Operation Southern Spear, a military operation launched against Nicolas Maduro’s regime in January of this year.
Operation Southern Spear, which included elements of a naval blockade and the purported capture of Maduro, was part of a broader effort by former President Donald Trump to destabilize Maduro’s regime through diplomatic and military pressure. However, with the change in administration since the operation, US foreign policy has undergone significant revisions, with a renewed focus on humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
Upon arrival at the port of La Guaira, Commander of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Colonel Mark P. “Buz” Kennedy emphasized the importance of the US military’s humanitarian mission, stating that “the Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are here to help the people of Venezuela in their time of need, and we are committed to providing assistance in a safe and effective manner.” Aboard the Fort Lauderdale, troops are said to be equipped with medical supplies, generators, and other essential equipment necessary to support recovery efforts.
Venezuela’s authorities have reportedly granted the US ship permission to dock, despite tense relations between the two nations. The presence of US Marines in La Guaira comes at a particularly dire time for the country, which has faced a series of devastating earthquakes in recent weeks. According to local sources, these earthquakes have left thousands of residents homeless and without access to basic necessities such as water and electricity.
The deployment of the USS Fort Lauderdale and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of disaster relief operations in Venezuela marks a significant shift in the administration’s policies towards the South American nation. As the region continues to grapple with humanitarian crises and natural disasters, the US military’s role in the area may see further expansion, as Washington seeks to demonstrate its commitment to international disaster relief efforts.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Caracas would neither confirm nor deny the specifics of the ship’s deployment but stated that “the US stands by the people of Venezuela during these difficult times.”