U.S. Surges Troops to Venezuela in Wake of Devastating Earthquakes

In Venezuela, the death toll from last month’s devastating earthquakes has topped 3,500 and is expected to continue rising, as the United States seeks to expand its military presence in the wake of the disaster. U.S. Southern Command recently announced the deployment of at least 2,000 military personnel to Venezuela, alongside drones, combat helicopters and other hardware. That’s in addition to U.S. Marines and Air Force officials already in Venezuela. The U.N. Development Program estimates June’s earthquakes caused $6.7 billion in damage in Venezuela. Despite that toll, the United States has provided just $300 million in recovery aid, while it sits on some $8 billion worth of Venezuela’s oil wealth, seized after the U.S. abduction of former President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores. www.democracynow.org