U.S. troops support Maiquetía's control tower; Southern Command says Venezuela keeps control

U.S. airmen and Marines are helping run the tower and ground operations at Maiquetía airport to speed up aid, Task & Purpose reported, putting U.S. troops in the relief effort at about 2,000 and the death toll from the June 24 earthquakes at more than 3,300. A Southern Command spokesman said Venezuela still controls the tower.

On the opposition side, David Placeres argued that Southern Command now runs the tower. From the government camp, Mario Silva described the U.S. aid as an occupation and said Venezuela will pay for the reconstruction.

«There is Southern Command, now openly taking control…»— David Placeres, July 5, 2026 · watch

«Of course, Venezuela is going to pay for that reconstruction.»— Mario Silva, July 4, 2026 · watch