In response to escalating gang violence and a dire security situation in Haiti, the United States military has carried out an operation to airlift non-essential embassy personnel from the country. This decision comes in the wake of increasing threats from armed gangs, including the federation led by Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue, Haiti’s most notorious gang leader. The gangs have intensified their control over the capital, leading to mass displacements and a state of emergency, with the Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, fleeing the nation and seeking international support for a UN-backed security force.
The U.S. Southern Command stated that the airlift aligns with standard security practices for embassies worldwide, emphasizing that no Haitians were aboard the military aircraft. This move mirrors actions taken by the European Union’s delegation and other international bodies in Haiti, which have temporarily reduced their presence due to the security crisis. The situation has led to widespread international concern, with reports of violence and looting exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions in the Caribbean nation.
The crisis has left the Haitian population in a state of fear and vulnerability, with attacks on critical infrastructure and a recent breakout from the country’s largest prisons by armed gangs. The violence has internally displaced over 362,000 Haitians, and the closure of key facilities, including the main airport and port, threatens to cause severe food shortages. The U.S. and international community continue to monitor the situation closely, supporting diplomatic efforts to restore stability and address the humanitarian needs of the Haitian people.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
