US troops in the Maiquetía control tower: Southern Command speaks of logistics, Mario Silva of occupation

According to a Southern Command statement read by David Placeres, US troops have been helping since July 1 with tower and ground operations at Maiquetía airport to speed up aid after the earthquakes. Placeres said Southern Command contradicts Delcy Rodríguez and called it a humiliation for her.

From the chavista side, Mario Silva cited an Aporrea article comparing the deployment in La Guaira to a military occupation and recalled that Hugo Chávez rejected US military personnel in emergencies.

«Their assistance in managing tower and ground operations has helped clear logistical bottlenecks.»— US Southern Command (quoted by David Placeres), July 5, 2026 · watch

«The gringos are coordinating with American companies the delivery of, for example, Walmart donations and the rebuilding of the affected area they have taken militarily.»— Mario Silva, July 4, 2026 · watch