The U.S. State Department confirmed Sunday that more than 30 Americans evacuated from Haiti have safely landed in Miami, Florida, amid continued gang violence in the country.
The passengers were transported on a government-chartered flight and arrived at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, after the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince called on Americans to leave Haiti “as soon as possible” amid ongoing chaos earlier this month. . expand.
The State Department said more than 30 Americans were evacuated on the chartered flight, but a U.S. official told Fox News earlier Sunday that the more accurate number was 47.
“On Sunday, March 17, the State Department assisted in the safe departure of more than 30 U.S. citizens from Cap-Haitien, Haiti, on a U.S. government-chartered flight,” the State Department said in a statement. “These passengers have now arrived safely in Miami, Florida, and U.S. government officials are assisting with the next steps. We will continue to provide support.”
Haiti rescue charter flight carrying Americans lands in Miami as gang violence escalates
A man enters the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, March 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Oderin Joseph)
The plane took off from the city of Cap-Haitien, about a five-and-a-half hour drive north of the capital Port-au-Prince, which is largely under gang control.
Haiti’s main airport in Port-au-Prince remains closed following gang attacks that have escalated in recent weeks, pushing many people to the brink of starvation. As the situation worsened, the government and aid agencies reported looting of aid supplies.
The State Department announced Saturday that charter flights from the less-disrupted northern city of Cap-Haitien will be offered exclusively to U.S. citizens. Officials said U.S. citizens should only consider charter flights if they believe they can arrive safely at Cap-Haitien airport, as ground transportation to Cap-Haitien cannot be provided.
Americans who fly by air must sign a promissory note agreeing to reimburse the government.
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“We encourage U.S. citizens who are still in Haiti and have not already contacted us who wish to leave to contact the Department of State using the crisis response form on our website,” the department said in a statement Sunday. said. “We continue to be in touch with U.S. nationals in need of assistance in Haiti. We are evaluating options for departing from Port-au-Prince and will contact U.S. nationals as soon as we can safely and securely make arrangements. I will let you know.”
Armed members of the G9 and Family gangs roll and burn tires on barricades in the Delmas 6 neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, March 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Oderin Joseph)
The State Department said it is aware that at least several hundred more Americans remain stranded in Haiti.
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Sunday’s relief flight came days after the State Department announced there were no immediate plans to evacuate U.S. citizens, citing numerous warnings against traveling to Haiti over the past four years.
Last week, the U.S. military sent additional troops to increase security at the U.S. embassy in Haiti, which is in an area largely controlled by gangs, and evacuate non-essential personnel.
FOX News’ Bradford Betts, Brian Lenas and Gillian Turner and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
