NewsU.S. evacuates embassy personnel from Haiti amid rising gang violence
U.S. evacuates embassy personnel from Haiti amid rising gang violence
10:21 AM EDT, March 11, 2024
This action was taken amidst growing concerns over the potential overthrow of the Haitian government by these increasingly powerful gangs, which have already displaced thousands of residents.
"The air bridge for American staff, a standard practice globally, aims to enhance security for our embassy personnel. It's important to note that no Haitians were onboard the departing planes," the U.S. Southern Command explained in their announcement.
Last Sunday, the Haitian government declared a state of emergency as the escalation in violence by armed gangs, now controlling a significant portion of the country, intensified further. During this crisis, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry was in Nairobi discussing the deployment of a Kenyan military-police force to Haiti with the UN's backing, aimed at reinstating law and order. However, this initiative faced legal challenges from the Kenyan Supreme Court.
Haitian authorities seek international support
On Saturday, the U.S. State Department revealed a conversation between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Kenyan President William Ruto concerning the Haitian crisis, which has led to tens of thousands of deaths at the hands of these gangs. They concurred on the urgency of deploying an international mission to help restore peace in Haiti.
"Our embassy in Port-au-Prince remains dedicated to supporting Haiti, including the Haitian National Police. We're working to expedite the arrival of International Security Forces mandated by the United Nations and promote a peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections," stated the U.S. Southern Command in their Sunday release.
