Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (Afad) and Turkish Armed Forces Natural Disaster Search and Rescue (TSK-DAK) teams, which went to the region after the earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela on June 24, completed their duties and returned home.

Türkiye also sent search and rescue teams after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela on June 24. The A400M transport plane belonging to the Ministry of National Defense, carrying the AFAD and TSK-DAK team and their vehicles, which support search and rescue activities in the country where more than 4,500 people lost their lives, landed at Mürted Airport at night. 22 personnel from the Turkish Armed Forces Humanitarian Aid Brigade Command International Search and Rescue Team and 4 search and rescue dogs and the AFAD team were welcomed by Land Forces Logistics Commander Major General Sinan Eren.

"We also supported it with our local and national behind-the-wall radars."

Infantry Major Yener Çamurlu, who served in the earthquake zone, drew attention to the importance of the mission, which was carried out approximately 12 thousand kilometers away from Türkiye, and said, "The earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela deeply saddened us all. We are talking about a 12 thousand kilometer road. It was a transoceanic mission. We are very happy to bring aid and support to the people of Venezuela. Our own special equipment and personnel were very valuable in this context. We did great work there. At the same time, not only in our own activities, but also in the search and rescue of other countries." "We also supported their teams with our local and national behind-the-wall radars. They received a lot of support from us in this regard," he said.

Stating that they participated in search and rescue activities with 4 dogs, Çamurlu said, "We went not only with our teammates, but also with our 4 dear friends. We also benefited from our trained dogs. The people of Venezuela welcomed us, and we helped as much as we could."

"They also gave our dogs a badge of heroism"

Speaking about the heroism medal being presented to the Turkish team in Venezuela, Çamurlu said, "Frankly, we did not expect such a thing. This is our normal duty. The Turkish nation and the State of the Republic of Turkey always stand by the oppressed and always provide help. In this context, we fulfilled our duty in the best way. We were very pleased that they honored us in this way. They even decorated our dogs with medals."

The nickname "Never Tired Turks" from the Venezuelan people to the Turkish team

Stating that they started search and rescue activities immediately after they reached Venezuela, Petty Officer Senior Sergeant Oktay Türkay said that the Turkish team went to the field without even setting up their camp. Türkay said, "We reached Venezuela after a long journey. Before even setting up our camp, we divided into two groups with our friends and participated in search and rescue activities in 12-hour shifts. The people of Venezuela nicknamed us 'Turks who never get tired' because of our activities. This made us proud. The closeness of the people to us during our work was also proud. I believe that this union established with Venezuela creates a bond of brotherhood beyond just interstate relations." - ANKARA