The Ministry of the Interior's Rescue and Salvage Brigade from Cuba made their way back to the island late on Sunday after spending several weeks in Venezuela, aiding those affected by the catastrophic earthquakes that struck on June 24.
As reported by the MININT on social media, the specialists were greeted by Army Corps Generals Álvaro López Miera and Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, who serve as ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Interior, respectively.
This contingent was composed of 18 experts from various sectors of the armed institution, who collaborated alongside Cuban medical personnel and international teams in the La Guaira state for a number of weeks.
Tragedy Strikes in Venezuela
The operation unfolded in the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters in Venezuela's recent history: twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, occurring just 39 seconds apart. Official figures as of July 23 reported 5,398 fatalities, though the United Nations estimates up to 50,000 may be missing.
Rescue teams were specifically deployed in Caraballeda, focusing on recovering bodies from the rubble and securing collapsed structures.
One brigade member recounted the ordeal: "An extremely catastrophic situation, a disaster unlike anything we've experienced in Cuba, a lesson we bring back to share with our firefighters and rescuers at home."
Recognition and Awards in Caracas
On the eve of their departure, the specialists were honored in Caracas with the "Medal 16 de Abril" and the "Venezuela-Cuba Friendship Award" during an event organized by the Cuban Embassy in Venezuela and the National Work Group.
This recognition added to the accolades bestowed by the Venezuelan government, led by interim president Delcy Rodríguez, on July 4. The Cuban rescuers were awarded the "Heroes and Heroines of Venezuela" medal in a ceremony acknowledging 478 specialists from 12 countries.
Cuban Medical Forensic Team's Role
In addition to the rescue efforts, a team of eight Cuban forensic doctors—the only international group specializing in body identification working alongside Venezuelan authorities—managed to identify between 50 and 60 bodies daily in La Guaira during the early days of July.
The brigade's return coincided with a date laden with symbolism for the Cuban regime: July 26, the Day of the National Rebellion, which MININT used to frame the mission as a demonstration of "humanitarian commitment and solidarity" with the Venezuelan people.
Nevertheless, the mission carried a somber undertone that the regime omitted in its statement: while the rescuers were receiving honors, at least 20 Cubans remained missing, and eight were confirmed dead, including a family of six found in Playa Grande. The MINREX took days to officially acknowledge the plight of its citizens impacted by the earthquakes.
The brigade was part of the initial response sent by Cuba; an initial group of 13 specialists with three trained dogs—Tito, Eva, and Choco—arrived in Venezuela on June 28, followed by a second group of rescuers, surgeons, and forensic experts with over seven tons of specialized equipment.
Insights into the Cuban Rescue Mission in Venezuela
What prompted the Cuban rescue brigade to return from Venezuela?
The Cuban rescue brigade returned to Cuba after completing their mission of providing assistance to earthquake victims in Venezuela, following the devastating seismic events of June 24.
Who greeted the Cuban specialists upon their return?
The specialists were welcomed by Army Corps Generals Álvaro López Miera and Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, who are ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Interior, respectively.
What awards did the Cuban rescuers receive while in Venezuela?
The Cuban rescuers were honored with the "Medal 16 de Abril" and the "Venezuela-Cuba Friendship Award" in Caracas, and previously received the "Heroes and Heroines of Venezuela" medal from the Venezuelan government.