Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced that two military transport aircraft are being sent to Venezuela to support rescue and humanitarian operations following recent earthquakes. Coordinating with the Turkish Armed Forces, one A-400M aircraft has been prepared to carry a 38-member search, rescue, and humanitarian team from Istanbul, Izmir, and Denizli. The flight will also include a five-member national medical rescue team, two Turkish Red Crescent personnel, two search dogs, and three fully equipped rescue vehicles.

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense has decided to send another A-400M aircraft carrying a 22-member Humanitarian Aid Brigade team and necessary equipment. AFAD stated that both aircraft will depart from Istanbul Atatürk Airport at 11:15 a.m. local time on Friday for Venezuela.

The aid mission follows two powerful earthquakes that struck Caracas and surrounding areas on Thursday, causing extensive damage and killing at least 235 people, with hundreds more trapped or missing.