New Delhi, 08 July (H.S.):

The Indian Army has begun the withdrawal of its contingent from Venezuela following the successful completion of its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, 'Operation Amistad'. The Composite Task Force deployed by India established a fully operational field hospital by June 28 and, during the course of the mission, provided critical medical assistance to more than 1,900 people affected by the devastating earthquakes.

The Indian Army announced on Wednesday that its contingent deployed in Venezuela had commenced its return journey after completing the relief operation. The mission was launched in response to two devastating earthquakes that struck the northern region of South America. The task force, dispatched from India on June 26, established a fully functional field hospital at La Rinconada in Caracas by June 28.

The 41-member medical team, drawn from the 60 Para Field Hospital based in Agra, provided critical care, trauma management and surgical treatment to more than 1,900 earthquake victims. The team also deployed two Advanced Portable Emergency Medical Systems to strengthen the capabilities of local medical authorities.

The deployment of the Indian Army's 41-member medical contingent was facilitated by the Indian Air Force, which used two C-17 Globemaster aircraft to transport more than 35 tonnes of medical supplies and humanitarian relief material to Venezuela. The consignments included advanced medical equipment and two Cube Portable Hospitals, enabling the rapid establishment of emergency healthcare infrastructure in the disaster-stricken areas.

India launched Operation Amistad as a humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquakes that claimed numerous lives, left many others injured, and caused widespread destruction across Venezuela. The mission underscored India's solidarity with the people of Venezuela during one of the country's most severe natural disasters.

The 41-member team, comprising experienced rescue personnel and medical professionals, worked closely with Venezuelan authorities in conducting search and rescue operations, delivering emergency medical care and supporting broader humanitarian relief efforts in the affected regions.

After carrying out relief operations in Venezuela for nearly two weeks, the Indian Army's medical contingent has now commenced its phased return. The Army stated that the withdrawal is being undertaken in stages while reaffirming its continued commitment to humanitarian assistance and support for earthquake-affected communities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar