On the morning of 28/6, the Border Guard Command held a send-off ceremony for its personnel and K9 dogs. They are deploying to Venezuela for search and rescue operations and to mitigate earthquake damage, following directives from Vietnam's Ministry of National Defense.

Major General Nguyen Duc Manh, Deputy Commander of the Border Guard, stated the rescue team comprises 82 military personnel. The Border Guard contingent includes 10 members: a commander, a veterinary officer, eight trainers, and eight K9 dogs. All personnel and K9s possess extensive experience in domestic and international search and rescue missions.

Major General Manh instructed team members to strictly adhere to host country regulations, act proactively and flexibly in all situations, and work unitedly to complete their mission. He emphasized, "Always maintain vigilance and ensure absolute safety for yourselves and your teammates."

Border Guard and K9 dogs deploy for rescue, morning of 28/6. *Video: Phong Linh*

According to the plan, the Border Guard and other rescue forces will gather at the Ministry of National Defense and depart on the afternoon of 28/6.

Venezuela, located in South America, is over 17,000 km from Vietnam. A double earthquake, measuring 7,2 and 7,5 magnitude, struck the country at 6:04 p.m. on 24/6. This disaster resulted in 920 fatalities, nearly 3,000 injuries, and over 50,000 missing persons. These figures are expected to rise as many buildings, including Simon Bolivar International Airport, have collapsed.

This marks the third international earthquake rescue mission for the Vietnam People's Army. The first mission occurred in 2/2023, when Vietnam dispatched 76 military personnel to Turkey following a 7,8 magnitude earthquake that killed over 43,500 people. Two years later, in 3/2025, a team of 80 Vietnamese military personnel deployed to Myanmar after a powerful 7,7 magnitude earthquake caused over 3,000 deaths.

Hoang Phuong