Dominican Republic deploys new contingent of rescuers to Venezuela

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has deployed a new contingent of search and rescue specialists to Venezuela as part of Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026, reinforcing international humanitarian efforts following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation.

The mission includes rescuers from the Specialized Emergency and Disaster Mitigation Corps (Cemed), the Emergency Operations Center (COE), and Civil Defense. Transported aboard a Dominican Republic Air Force aircraft, the team will assist with search and rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas while supporting ongoing international emergency response efforts.

Before the team’s departure, Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre praised the rescuers’ professionalism and commitment, urging them to carry out the mission with discipline and solidarity. The deployment is part of the Dominican government’s broader humanitarian response, which also includes aid for Dominican citizens in Venezuela, emergency supplies, and additional support for communities affected by the earthquakes.