Ecuador remains a vital partner in the fight against narco-terrorism: Last week, military personnel from #Ecuador# graduated from an eight-week Partner Nation International Operators Course. This tactical training enhances the capacity of Americas Counter Cartel Coalition partners to counter the narco-terrorist threat in the Western Hemisphere. @DeptofWar @SECWAR @USEmbassyEC @FFAAECUADOR @DefensaEc @SOCSOUTH @WHAAsstSecty @USAenEspanol

Americas Counter Cartel Coalition in action: Working alongside regional allies, U.S. and Ecuadorian maritime forces patrol critical corridors in the northeastern region to deny narco-terrorist organizations freedom of maneuver. This joint presence demonstrates the operational strength of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition. By sharing the security burden, #SOUTHCOM# and #Ecuador# continue to strengthen interoperability, proving that collective vigilance is our greatest asset against illicit trafficking. @DeptofWar @USEmbassyEC @FFAAECUADOR @armada_ecuador @WHAAsstSecty @USAenEspanol

"I recently concluded my visit to #Ecuador#, following highly productive discussions with Ecuador’s Chief of Defense Gen. Henry Delgado Salvador. I also had the opportunity to visit several Ecuadorian military units firsthand to observe their outstanding efforts in countering narco-terrorist organizations in support of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition. Ecuador’s dedication to regional security makes them a resolute and essential partner in the shared fight against narco-trafficking, and a key member of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition.” — #SOUTHCOM# Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan @USEmbassyEC @FFAAECUADOR @DeptofWar @WHAAsstSecty @USAenEspanol

This week, #SOUTHCOM# Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan was in #Ecuador# to meet with Chief of Defense, Gen. Henry Delgado Salvador. Discussions focused on domain awareness and strengthening the U.S.-Ecuador security partnership, including facilitating collaborative efforts to combat narco-terrorists. Gen. Donovan also visited Ecuadorian military units and met with Ecuadorian troops to learn about their efforts in countering narco-terrorist organizations in support of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition. Ecuador stands as a steadfast and essential partner within the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, maintaining a deep commitment to regional security and stability. #StrengtheningPartnerships# @USEmbassyEC @FFAAECUADOR @DeptofWar @WHAAsstSecty @USAenEspanol

USS San Antonio supports Venezuela earthquake relief: Today, the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) arrived at the Port of La Guaira, Venezuela to support relief operations. U.S. forces at the port are operating a communications and distribution node to deliver life-saving assistance to hard-hit areas. At the direction of #SOUTHCOM#, U.S. military forces are supporting @StateDept-led U.S. government relief operations following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation on June 24, 2026. @DeptofWar @USNavy @WHAAsstSecty @USForeignAssist @USAenEspanol @usembassyve

U.S. Marines with Littoral Combat Force-24 and U.S. Airmen with the Contingency Response Element work with Venezuelan air traffic controllers at Simón Bolivar International Airport, Venezuela, July 1, 2026. Their assistance in managing tower and ground operations has helped clear logistical bottlenecks, ensuring that vital supplies, heavy equipment, and relief personnel reach the front lines. At the direction of #SOUTHCOM#, U.S. military forces are supporting @StateDept-led U.S. government relief operations following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation on June 24, 2026. @DeptofWar @The24MEU @USMC @usairforce @WHAAsstSecty @USForeignAssist @USAenEspanol @usembassyve

Sustaining a 24/7 lifeline to earthquake-damaged communities. Day and night, the @DeptofWar is accelerating the delivery of vital earthquake assistance to the front lines in Venezuela where help is needed most. U.S. military aircrews are powering an air bridge that is providing critical support to @StateDept-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. @usairforce @USMC @USArmy @JTF_Bravo @The24MEU @USForeignAssist @USAenEspanol @usembassyve

"USA... thank you." A video from a Venezuelan citizen of U.S. Marines arriving at a site to assist search and rescue efforts. At the direction of #SOUTHCOM#, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting @StateDept-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. @DeptofWar @SecWar @USMC @The24thMEU @WHAAsstSecty @USForeignAssist @USAenEspanol @usembassyve

RELEASE: SOUTHCOM Leadership Arrives in Venezuela to Coordinate Earthquake Relief Support U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, today, to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts. Maj. Gen. Jarrard is serving as the senior U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) official on the ground and is working closely with partners to plan, coordinate, and direct the U.S. military’s unparalleled logistical and operational capabilities to support the rapid, life-saving movement of response personnel, equipment, and humanitarian assistance into affected areas. SOUTHCOM is supporting Department of State-led U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation June 24, 2026. The interim Government of Venezuela formally requested U.S. support following the earthquakes. Assigned U.S. military forces will utilize fixed and rotor wing aircraft to provide specialized mobility services and assist U.S. Government personnel, search and rescue teams, and partners assessing damage and delivering critical life-saving assistance. POINT OF CONTACT Phone: 305-437-1213 Email: Online release: @DeptofWar @SecWar @WHAAsstSecty @usembassyve @USAenEspanol @StateDept

#SOUTHCOM# surging forces to support Venezuela earthquake relief: U.S. military service members of Joint Task Force-Bravo load equipment into a CH-47 Chinook at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, June 25, 2026, in preparation to support earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela. SOUTHCOM is surging available assigned U.S. military forces in our region to support Department of State-led U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela, following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation June 24, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Ethan Sherwood) @DeptofWar @SecWar @JTF_Bravo @WHAAsstSecty @usembassyve @USAenEspanol

Venezuela earthquake relief: U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard is en route to Caracas, Venezuela, to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts. #SOUTHCOM# is supporting Department of State-led U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation June 24, 2026. @DeptofWar @StateDept @usembassyve @SecWar @WHAAsstSecty

RELEASE: SOUTHCOM Surging Forces to Support Venezuela Earthquake Relief Efforts U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is surging available assigned U.S. military forces in our region to support Department of State-led U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela, following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation June 24, 2026. The interim Venezuelan authorities formally requested U.S. assistance in the aftermath. #SOUTHCOM# Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan has directed significant forces to the effort, including the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and the littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15). C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft will also support, along with reconnaissance platforms and rotary-wing aircraft. These forces will provide specialized mobility services and support to U.S. government personnel, search and rescue teams, and U.S. interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver critical, life-saving assistance. SOUTHCOM will continue to work closely with interim Venezuelan authorities to plan, coordinate, and direct the U.S. military's unparalleled logistical and operational capabilities in support of rapid relief operations across the affected areas. @DeptofWar @SecWar @jtf_bravo @WHAAsstSecty @usembassyve @USAenEspanol @StateDept Online release:

STATEMENT ON U.S. MILITARY SUPPORT TO VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF: As directed by the Department of War, U.S. Southern Command is currently working with the Department of State to support U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela in response to yesterday's devastating earthquakes. Our joint forces are moving quickly to bring the unmatched airlift, logistics, and lifesaving capabilities of the U.S. military to help save lives and support the Government of Venezuela during this crisis. The command has established an operational planning team that includes experienced subject matter experts from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, who are advising staff and leadership responsible for disaster relief planning and mission-related decisions. The command has also initiated close coordination with other partners and allies in the region who have pledged to join the international assistance underway to aid the people of Venezuela in their time of need. @DeptofWar @StateDept @SecWar @WHAAsstSecty @usembassyve @USAenEspanol #SOUTHCOM#

On May 8, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM# commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this action, and one survived the strike. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar @USCG #OpSouthernSpear#