A ZAKA rescue delegation is operating in Venezuela, assisting local forces in search, rescue, and medical efforts after the devastating earthquake. Delegation commander Yosef Garmon said the team includes rescue crews, doctors, engineers, and specialists in dignified care for the deceased.
The ZAKA rescue delegation has arrived in Venezuela and is now operating on the ground, joining the international relief effort. The delegation, led by Yosef Garmon, commander of ZAKA South America, includes rescue crews, doctors, engineers, and specialists in dignified care for the deceased. This mission is separate from the official Israeli delegation that arrived in Caracas on Wednesday and began coordination meetings that evening.
As The Zioneer reported Wednesday evening (19:06 Jerusalem), the official Israeli delegation landed in Caracas led by Yoad Magen and Brig.-Gen. Elad Edri. By Thursday morning, social media reports indicated the delegation's search-and-rescue operations were already underway using drone-mounted Israeli technology to locate survivors. The official delegation marks the first official Israeli presence in Venezuela since diplomatic relations were severed in 2009, according to Abu Ali Express.
International efforts have expanded significantly. The US Southern Command confirmed early Thursday (04:45 Jerusalem) it is deploying 2,000 personnel to assist. At least 16 nations have dispatched search-and-rescue teams, and the EU activated its civil protection mechanism with over 520 rescuers, as The Zioneer reported Saturday. A joint Israeli delegation from Magen, Ready for Rescue, and SmartAID had earlier reported extensive destruction and difficult working conditions, as noted Tuesday (20:12 Jerusalem).
The full scope and duration of the ZAKA delegation's operations have not been confirmed. It also remains unclear how the ZAKA mission coordinates with the official IDF-Foreign Ministry delegation.
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