Vietnam sends troops to aid earthquake-hit Venezuela

The Vietnam Border Guard High Command held a departure ceremony on Sunday for the contingent, which includes specialized teams, equipment, and supplies.

Among them is a canine search-and-rescue unit with 10 officers and eight trained dogs.

Major General Nguyen Duc Manh, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam Border Guard, said the earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and left devastating impacts on lives and property.

He emphasized that Vietnam’s participation reflects the nation’s tradition of solidarity and its commitment to international humanitarian efforts.

The mission also demonstrates the capabilities and credibility of the Vietnam People's Army, particularly the Border Guard, in international cooperation while helping strengthen ties between Vietnam and Venezuela.

The selected personnel are described as highly qualified, with strong ethics, professional expertise, and prior experience in domestic and international rescue missions.

Major General Manh urged the team to strictly follow Vietnam’s foreign policy, respect local laws, and maintain the image of the People’s Army of Vietnam.

He also stressed the importance of safety, unity, and adaptability in fulfilling their mission.

Logistical preparations were completed before departure.

The General Department of Logistics-Technical Services, under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, reported that 65 metric tons of relief goods, including food, water, medicine, and equipment, had been inspected and packed by Sunday morning.

Military-run Company 22 operated around the clock in three shifts to produce 50 metric tons of compressed rations, three metric tons of canned meat and 3,000 liters of drinking water for the relief mission.

Brigade 971 transported the supplies to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi for shipment.

According to AP, the death toll from Venezuela’s two powerful earthquakes rose to 1,430 as of Sunday, and at least 68,900 others remain unaccounted for.

Reuters cited Venezuelan officials as saying that over 1,600 foreign rescuers had arrived and that additional teams were on the way to join search and rescue operations.