Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026 sends Dominican rescuers to Venezuela
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has launched Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026, deploying a specialized search-and-rescue team to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that struck the South American nation. The mission was ordered by President Luis Abinader and coordinated by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the country’s humanitarian response efforts.
The deployment follows a conversation between Abinader and acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, during which the Dominican leader expressed solidarity with the victims and reaffirmed his government’s willingness to assist in the emergency response.
The contingent is composed of specialists from the Specialized Emergency and Disaster Mitigation Corps, a unit trained in urban search and rescue (USAR) operations involving collapsed structures. Equipped with specialized technical and logistical resources, the team is expected to join rescue and emergency efforts coordinated by Venezuelan authorities immediately upon arrival.
Created under Law 28-24 and attached to the Ministry of Defense, CEMED is responsible for non-combat military operations related to disaster response, risk management, and humanitarian assistance. The Venezuela mission marks one of the unit’s first international deployments and highlights the Dominican Republic’s growing disaster-response capabilities.
Officials said the operation reflects the Dominican government’s commitment to international cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and regional solidarity. Authorities from both countries remain in close coordination to ensure the safe and effective execution of the mission as rescue and recovery efforts continue in Venezuela.
