US airmen and Marines are assisting Venezuelan air traffic controllers at Simón Bolívar International Airport. The support is part of the US government's earthquake relief mission to Venezuela, following two major earthquakes on June 24 that killed over 3,300 people.
The airmen and Marines are helping to manage ground and tower operations at the airport, which was damaged in the earthquakes. About 2,000 US troops are supporting the relief mission, with roughly 900 in the country.
The US military personnel are working to clear logistical bottlenecks and ensure the safe landing of heavy cargo aircraft. The airport is a critical lifeline for airlifted aid, and the US support is aimed at helping Venezuelan personnel maintain control of their tower operations.
