Syria sends rescue team to Venezuela in first overseas mission

The operation is being conducted in partnership with Qatar’s Internal Security Force International Rescue Team as part of joint humanitarian coordination.

Syria dispatched a rescue team to Venezuela on Saturday to assist in search-and-rescue operations following the devastating earthquakes earlier this week, marking the country’s first international deployment of emergency personnel.

State news agency SANA reported that the mission was launched under directives from President Ahmad al-Sharaa and coordinated with the Foreign Ministry. The team, affiliated with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, departed from Damascus International Airport to join relief efforts and aid victims of the disaster.

The operation is being conducted in partnership with Qatar’s Internal Security Force International Rescue Team as part of joint humanitarian coordination. The Syrian contingent includes 15 search-and-rescue specialists equipped with personal gear, while Qatari teams are providing heavy machinery and operational equipment required for field missions.

SANA described the deployment as a “historic milestone” in Syrian humanitarian work, noting that it is the first time Syrian rescue teams have participated in an overseas disaster response mission.

The United States Geological Survey reported that two earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, just 39 seconds apart, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The quakes caused widespread destruction, including building collapses in Caracas and several states such as Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcon.

Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Saturday that the death toll had risen to 1,430.