US-led relief effort puts Washington’s post-Maduro strategy in Venezuela to the test

The United States is leading a significant humanitarian relief effort in Venezuela following twin earthquakes that devastated the country. This operation tests Washington's influence as a key international partner in Venezuela's post-Maduro transition. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deployment of search-and-rescue teams, military logistics, and humanitarian aid after the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which have resulted in at least 164 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries. This response comes after a U.S. operation led to Nicolas Maduro's removal from power earlier this year, and subsequent engagement with interim President Delcy Rodriguez on security, economic recovery, and the return of U.S. oil companies.