Overnight Operation Conducted for American Personnel
The United States military carried out a crucial overnight operation from Saturday to Sunday to evacuate American personnel via airlift from the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. The escalating violence in Port-au-Prince, the capital, and across Haiti prompted this strategic move, as confirmed by U.S. Southern Command on Sunday.
Additional security measures were put in place during the operation, following a request by the Department of State to ensure the safety of U.S. Embassy operations and allow non-essential personnel to depart.
Embassy Security Augmented for Continued Mission Operations
The U.S. Southern Command elaborated that the military’s operation aimed to enhance security at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince and support ongoing efforts to assist the Haitian people. The evacuation of U.S. personnel is a standard practice to bolster security at embassies worldwide, as reiterated in the statement.
No Haitians were present on the aircraft during the airlifts, and the focus remains on facilitating a peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections as part of broader U.S. government initiatives in Haiti.
Efforts to Combat Gang Violence and Support Haitian National Police
Haiti has been grappling with political unrest and pervasive gang violence for years, prompting international aid and security initiatives. The Biden administration pledged significant financial support to enhance security, including deploying a multinational force to address the surging gang violence in the region.
The recent spike in gang violence led to a state of emergency in Haiti, with thousands displaced and significant disruptions in daily life, including a nighttime curfew imposed by authorities.
Ongoing Support and Adaptation by U.S. Embassy in Haiti
The U.S. embassy in Haiti continues its operations amid the challenging security environment, as highlighted by adjustments made to ensure the safety of embassy personnel. Further details regarding the airlifts in Port-au-Prince are awaited as the situation unfolds.
This latest evacuation underscores the persistent efforts to stabilize Haiti and promote security in the face of escalating violence and unrest.