Syria deployed a rescue team to Venezuela on Saturday to assist in search-and-rescue operations following deadly earthquakes that struck earlier this week, marking the first overseas mission by Syrian rescue personnel. The mission was launched under directives from President Ahmad al-Sharaa and coordinated with the Foreign Ministry, according to Syria's state news agency SANA.
Team Composition and Departure
The team, affiliated with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, departed from the Damascus International Airport to support emergency response efforts and aid victims of the quakes. The Syrian contingent includes 15 search-and-rescue specialists equipped with personal gear, while Qatari teams are providing heavy machinery and operational equipment needed for field missions. The operation is being carried out in partnership with the International Rescue Team of Qatar's Internal Security Force as part of joint humanitarian coordination efforts, according to SANA.
Historic Milestone
SANA described the deployment as a “historic milestone” in Syrian humanitarian work, marking the first time Syrian rescue teams have taken part in an international disaster response mission outside the country. The move signals a shift in Syria's engagement with global humanitarian efforts amid its ongoing recovery from years of civil war.
Earthquake Details and Impact
On Wednesday evening, the United States Geological Survey reported that two earthquakes struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The quakes caused building collapses in the capital, Caracas, and several states, including Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcon. Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Saturday that the death toll had risen to 1,430, with thousands more injured and millions in need of assistance.
International Response
The Syrian rescue team's deployment is part of a broader international response to the disaster. Rescuers are racing to find survivors as the death toll nears 1,000 (later updated to 1,430). The coordination between Syria and Qatar highlights the importance of joint humanitarian efforts in disaster zones. The Syrian and Qatari teams are working together to maximize efficiency in search-and-rescue operations, with Syrian personnel focusing on manual search and rescue while Qatari teams provide heavy equipment for debris removal.
