Following directives from President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a Syrian rescue team from the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management departed Damascus International Airport on Saturday, June 27, to assist search, rescue and humanitarian operations following the earthquake in Venezuela. The mission was coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
Hussam Badawi, director of training at the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, said the ministry deployed a team of 15 rescue professionals to support emergency operations. He said the mission reflects Syria’s solidarity with Venezuela while marking the country’s first international humanitarian deployment by a national search and rescue team.
Badawi noted the team brings over 13 years of experience working in challenging conditions through its previous service with the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets. He said the deployment represents a shift from applying humanitarian expertise exclusively within Syria to contributing to disaster response efforts abroad. He described the mission as a milestone for Syria’s humanitarian sector, saying it is the first time the country has sent a national rescue team to assist in disaster response outside its borders.
Experienced Team Joins International Response
Munir Mustafa, director of the Syrian Civil Defense, told SANA that team members gained extensive experience during the 2023 earthquake in northwestern Syria, where they participated in rescue operations saving thousands of lives. He said the same expertise will now support relief efforts in Venezuela alongside other international rescue teams.
Wisam Zaidan, director of the Search and Rescue Program at the Syrian Civil Defense, said the deployment demonstrates Syria’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation and international disaster response. He added the team is equipped with specialized rescue equipment and will work alongside Qatar’s Internal Security Force, Lekhwiya.
Zaidan said the duration of the mission remains uncertain because it depends on conditions at the disaster site. He estimated the operation could last between five and 10 days but noted it may continue longer if necessary.
Earthquake Leaves Widespread Destruction
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, according to the US Geological Survey. A magnitude 4.9 aftershock struck the country’s northern coast on Friday evening.
The UN called for urgent international assistance, saying Venezuela requires a broad humanitarian response. The earthquakes caused extensive damage in La Guaira, near Caracas. According to the latest reports, about 920 people have died, while thousands remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
