Mexico concludes its search and rescue mission in Venezuela after devastating earthquake

After welcoming home the humanitarian mission that was sent to Venezuela to aid in the aftermath of the devastating June 24 earthquake, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico remains ready to help the struggling South American nation in any way possible.

The mission led by the Yumare Group — comprising 264 members of the Defense Ministry and 18 canine units — rescued two people alive and recovered 92 bodies, while also supplying humanitarian aid over 15 days in Venezuela. The medical unit also carried out more than 2,000 consultations.

In addition to the rescue teams and medical personnel, Mexico sent more than 70 tons of humanitarian aid via an air bridge consisting of eight flights and two Navy ships. More than 13 tonnes of medicine were supplied, and the Yumare Group also helped repair eight power plants.

Sheinbaum said her government remains in constant contact with Venezuela, adding that “if there are any further requests … for greater assistance, Mexico would be willing to support them.”

During the July 10 ceremony at a military air base in México state, the president said the mission reflected the solidarity and humanist character of her administration.

“You showed the true face of Mexico, a Mexico of solidarity, fraternity, and profound humanism,” she told the returnees. “This mission was also a message to the world, a message that cooperation between nations is still possible. This is the essence of the Mexican people: to leave no one behind.”

Defense Minister Gen. Ricardo Trevilla awarded decorations for heroic valor, military merit, military distinction, and performance to the members of the Yumare Group, acknowledging that some members of the team worked 24-hour shifts during the search and rescue operations.

In a gesture of appreciation, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, sent a letter of thanks via the returning mission, while also awarding Sheinbaum the “Hero of Venezuela First Class” decoration, the highest recognition Venezuela grants for actions of assistance and humanitarian aid.

Venezuela also presented three Belgian Malinois puppies to Mexico as a token of gratitude. This breed of dog is recognized for its intelligence, learning ability and performance in rescue operations.

The gift continues a tradition begun by the Turkish government in May 2023 when it donated the puppy Arkadas (“friend” in Turkish) to the Mexican Army after the rescue dog Proteo lost his life while participating in search efforts after earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in February of that year.

Since 1996, Mexico has carried out 98 international humanitarian aid missions in 30 countries.

With reports from La Jornada, El Financiero, N+ and Enfoque