29/06/2026 21:51 - Internacionales
In the middle of the largest search and rescue operation in Venezuela's recent history, a video captured a high-tension moment that has sparked international outrage. The footage shows Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's Interior Minister and one of the most powerful figures in the country's government, obstructing the work of an American rescue team working against the clock to locate survivors under the rubble.
The incident occurred in La Guaira, one of the states most affected by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. In the video, the American rescue worker can be clearly heard saying firmly: "Back up, back up", while trying to access a point where, according to his assessment, a person was screaming for help under the debris.
For international readers: Diosdado Cabello is a former military officer and key figure in Venezuela's ruling party. As Interior Minister, he oversees domestic security and emergency response. Critics have long accused him of authoritarian practices, making this intervention particularly controversial during a humanitarian crisis.
The US team member repeatedly pointed to a specific location where he claimed to have detected signs of life. However, Cabello remained in the perimeter without stepping aside, complicating the specialists' work.
Before ending the exchange, the rescue worker expressed his frustration with a blunt statement: "I'm not happy with this situation."
The images quickly went viral on X (Twitter) and other platforms, where many users interpreted the episode as deliberate interference in rescue operations during a life-or-death situation.
The United States deployed a massive operation through the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), the specialized unit of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Official images show C-17 Globemaster III military aircraft landing with specialized personnel, trained search and rescue dogs, heavy machinery, and equipment.
Total US aid (doubled from initial commitment)
Globemaster III deployed to the region
Providing humanitarian assistance
The US Embassy in Caracas stated that DART teams have the mission of coordinating humanitarian assistance, supporting survivor search operations, and working alongside local authorities and other international groups.
The incident takes on greater significance because the first 72 hours after an earthquake are considered crucial for locating people alive under collapsed structures. Search teams work against the clock to follow every lead that might lead to finding survivors.
At the time of this publication, Venezuelan authorities have not publicly addressed the video content or accusations of interference in rescue operations.
Venezuela has been under the government of Nicolás Maduro since 2013. The country has faced international sanctions and political isolation, particularly from the United States. This complex relationship makes international cooperation during natural disasters particularly sensitive, which adds to the significance of this incident.
Source: Infobae - June 29, 2026
Alfredo S. Quiroga
