Iraq offers aid to Venezuela after deadly earthquake kills at least 235

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Ziyadi sent a condolence message to Venezuela after a powerful earthquake struck the South American country, killing at least 235 people. Ziyadi said Iraq stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and is prepared to send humanitarian assistance to those affected. In a statement, the prime minister's office said Iraq could dispatch medical supplies, shelter materials and basic necessities to the affected regions. Officials said coordination with relevant Iraqi institutions is ongoing to determine the volume of aid and the timeline for delivery. The earthquake caused widespread damage across several Venezuelan cities, with search and rescue operations still underway. The Iraqi government said it remains open to cooperating with the international community to minimize further losses in the disaster zone. Iraq has previously delivered humanitarian aid to countries struck by natural disasters. No further details on the planned aid package were immediately available.