Dozens of US citizens have been evacuated from Haiti on a State Department charter flight as the country grapples with escalating gang violence and political turmoil. The flight, which departed from Cap-Haitien on Haiti's north coast, landed at Miami International Airport, bringing more than 30 US citizens to safety.
The State Department has stated that government officials are currently assisting the evacuated citizens with their next steps. As long as commercial options remain unavailable and the security situation permits, the department will continue to aid US citizens seeking to leave Haiti.
The decision to evacuate US citizens comes as Haiti faces a dire security situation, with the capital city of Port-au-Prince experiencing heightened gang violence. The airport in Port-au-Prince has been closed due to ongoing conflicts between gangs and law enforcement.
In a statement issued by the State Department, it was emphasized that the security environment in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. The overland journey from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien is particularly perilous, and individuals are advised to consider the Cap-Haitien flight only if they can safely reach the airport.
The crisis in Haiti escalated earlier this month as rival gangs intensified their coordinated activities, leading to widespread chaos. The gangs have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has announced his intention to step down following the formation of a transitional council.
Reports indicate that approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince is currently under the control of gangs, according to U.N. estimates. Despite efforts by law enforcement to combat the violence, they are facing significant challenges due to limited resources and have become targets of the ongoing unrest.
The situation in Haiti remains fluid, and the State Department continues to monitor developments closely to ensure the safety and well-being of US citizens in the country.
