US Marines Deployed to Protect Embassy in Haiti

Destruction has engulfed Haiti. As a result of criminal gangs seizing power, the prime minister has decided to step down and is effectively banished from the country. To ensure the safety of its citizens, the United States military has recently intervened.

The United States Embassy in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was ordered to be guarded by the military on March 13, according to an announcement made by the United States Southern Command. The United States Marine Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) was sent in response by SOUTHCOM. The team’s goal is to “maintain strong security capabilities” while also releasing the present Marines and allowing other non-emergency workers to exit the embassy.

Multinational Security Support (MSS) operations in Haiti have received more funds from the Defense Department, according to SOUTHCOM. In an effort to reassert regional security, the Pentagon is collaborating with several countries, including those of Haiti and Kenya. Air, medical, and intelligence support will be provided by the United States military.

The State Department started making preparations for the departure of embassy staff who were not considered to be in an emergency situation from Haiti. The embassy is still operational, albeit with reduced capacity. A statement sent on March 10 by the US Embassy in Haiti states that the airport and the surrounding neighborhood have seen an upsurge in gang activity.

There has been an issue with violence in Haiti for a long time. President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021 when he was sleeping. Many individuals, including his widow, Martine Moïse, and other government officials, are facing charges related to his murder. According to Mrs. Moïse, she was not involved in his death.

In July 2023, the travel alert for Haiti was released by the State Department. Because of “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure,” the administration has warned Americans against coming to the country. Kidnappers in the nation frequently demand ransom payments of several thousand dollars from American families.