The United States is sending anti-terrorism forces to Haiti as the country continues to descend into violence and chaos.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry will resign on Tuesday following months of gang violence that has paralyzed Port-au-Prince’s key infrastructure and economic stability, fueled political instability and wreaked havoc on civilian life. agreed. according to to Reuters. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced Wednesday that it has sent a Marine Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) to Haiti to protect the U.S. embassy in the conflict-affected region. (Related: Gang attacks Haiti’s main prison, at least 12 dead, hundreds of inmates escape)
A protester walks past a burning barricade in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 7, as the government announces the state of emergency will be extended for another month following escalating gang violence calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. car drivers etc. March 7th. , 2024.Reuters/Ralph Teddy Errol
“At the request of the State Department, (SOUTHCOM) maintains strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and deploys the U.S. Marine Corps Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) to conduct relief operations in appropriate locations. “Our current Marine Corps deployment is a common and routine practice around the world,” the command said in a statement. statement on wednesday. “The U.S. Embassy remains open and will continue limited operations focused on providing assistance to U.S. citizens and supporting Haiti-led efforts to ensure a peaceful transition of power.”
“(Southcom) has extensive contingency plans in place to ensure the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Haiti,” a command spokesperson said. Said on wednesday.
U.S. troops flew into Haiti for the first time on Wednesday. Air transport Non-essential personnel are outside the area. The Department of Defense (DOD) is also doubling funding for Multinational Security Support (MSS), according to Southcom.
Kenyan authorities had planned to send a United Nations (UN)-backed multinational police force to Haiti to assist with security operations, but Kenya’s Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that it was unconstitutional. It was postponed to. according to To the Associated Press.
Men on motorbikes pass by with burning tires during a demonstration following Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 12, 2024 (Photo by Clarens SIFFROY/AFP)
Haiti, and particularly Port-au-Prince, has been in turmoil for months, with the conflict escalating as of late February, according to the Associated Press. Gangsters are wreaking havoc in Port-au-Prince, seizing control of the capital’s main ports, forcing the closure of the international airport, destroying prisons, setting fire to police stations, and storming the National Palace.
Gangs now control about 80% of Port-au-Prince, and many civilians have been killed. according to to the BBC and AP.
At a meeting with regional bloc leaders on Tuesday, Ariel said he would step down as prime minister once a transitional government is formed, as demanded by the gang. according to to Reuters.
But that alone may not be enough to quell the violence.
“We will not lie to the people that we are having a peaceful revolution,” gang leader Barbecue said on Tuesday. according to Go to NBC News. “We don’t have a peaceful revolution. We are starting a bloody revolution in this country.”
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