WASHINGTON D.C.- The situation in Haiti has led to significant actions by the U.S. military, responding to a request from the State Department for an overnight mission to evacuate staff and enhance security at the embassy in Port-au-Prince.
The mission aimed to ensure the continuity of embassy operations and facilitate the departure of non-essential personnel, occurring amidst escalating chaos in the Caribbean nation. Gangs have overrun the capital, attacked police stations, looted seaports, and caused disruptions at the airport, blocking critical supply shipments.
Gangs have launched massive attacks on at least three police stations, leaving the country facing shortages of essential goods. Caribbean leaders called for an emergency meeting in Jamaica to address the dire circumstances in Haiti, with the United States, along with France, Canada, the U.N., and Brazil, invited to participate.
A Port-au-Prince resident, who did not give his name, described the massive attacks Friday, “They (the gangs) came with big guns. We have no guns, and we cannot defend ourselves. All of us, the children are suffering,” said the man.
While the U.S. military deployed personnel to secure the embassy, the Defense Department stands ready to provide support for a Kenyan-led multinational mission in Haiti. This support includes planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, communications, and medical assistance.
On March 3, Law Enforcement Today reported that the Biden administration, ruling out the deployment of troops, has committed financial and logistical support to address the escalating situation. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains uncertain, given the challenges on the ground and the intricate web of gang-controlled territories.
The Marine Corps Times reported on March 7 that the U.S. was considering deploying an elite Marine security team to Haiti at the request of the State Department. This consideration comes amid the deteriorating security situation, with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry struggling to maintain control amid gang attacks that have even closed the main international airport.
On March 10, the U.S. military announced its commitment to airlift non-essential embassy personnel from Haiti and enhance security measures. The evacuation of U.S. citizens from Haiti is a critical aspect of the evolving crisis. This operation to airlift non-essential embassy personnel aligns with standard embassy security practices worldwide and usually provided by the United States Marine Corps’ fleet antiterrorism security teams, or FAST.
Not long after, another fleet of Marines, the Anti-Terrorism Security Team, were sent over for embassy security.
The embassy said in a security alert, “Embassy operations may be further affected during the week because of gang-related violence and its effects on transportation and infrastructure."
The evacuation was designed to ensure the safety of American citizens in the face of escalating violence and political turmoil. The European Union's delegation in Haiti temporarily closed its offices due to security concerns.
Efforts to evacuate U.S. citizens are not only a response to the immediate threats but also part of a broader strategy to navigate the complexities of the crisis. The Biden administration, as mentioned in previous reports, has been considering contingency plans for months. The decision not to deploy U.S. military forces for intervention but rather to support international partners reflects a calculated approach to address Haiti's multifaceted challenges.
In addition to the evacuation of U.S. citizens, the U.S. military's role in providing enabling support for a Kenyan-led multinational mission underscores the commitment to addressing the root causes of the crisis. The Defense Department's readiness to assist with planning, information sharing, airlift, communications, and medical support demonstrates a comprehensive approach to stabilizing Haiti and facilitating a peaceful transition of power.
As the crisis unfolds, the importance of international collaboration becomes increasingly evident. The emergency meeting called by Caribbean leaders in Jamaica, with the participation of the U.S. and other key stakeholders, highlights the recognition of a shared responsibility in finding a resolution to Haiti's dire situation.
In a statement from U.S. Southern Command, “Our Embassy remains focused on advancing U.S. government efforts to support the Haitian people, including mobilizing support for the Haitian National Police, expediting the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and accelerating a peaceful transition of power via free and fair elections,”
The U.S. military's involvement in Haiti demonstrates a multifaceted approach to addressing the escalating crisis. The evacuation of U.S. citizens, combined with broader efforts to support a Kenyan-led multinational mission, highlights the complexity of the challenges faced by Haiti and the international community. Collaboration among nations is crucial as the situation continues to evolve, aiming to find a sustainable and comprehensive resolution to Haiti's political and security crisis.
“I completely understand the deep reluctance in Washington to have U.S. forces on the ground,” said James Foley, a retired career diplomat and former U.S. ambassador to Haiti. “But it may prove impossible to prevent a criminal takeover of the state unless a small U.S. security contingent is sent on a temporary basis to create the conditions for international forces to take over.”
The statement regarding the Marine fleet deployment from the Department of State read, “At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. Southern Command deployed a U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines, a common and routine practice worldwide -- and allow additional non-emergency personnel to depart.
"Our Marines in Haiti completed their assignment and were relieved by a secondary team of Marines. The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to US citizens and supporting Haitian led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power. This week, the Department of Defense doubled our funding for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and we are working with Haitian, Kenyan, and other partners to expedite its deployment to support the Haitian National Police and to restore security in Haiti.
"The Department of Defense is postured to provide enabling support for the MSS, including planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, and medical support.”
The mission aimed to ensure the continuity of embassy operations and facilitate the departure of non-essential personnel, occurring amidst escalating chaos in the Caribbean nation. Gangs have overrun the capital, attacked police stations, looted seaports, and caused disruptions at the airport, blocking critical supply shipments.
Gangs have launched massive attacks on at least three police stations, leaving the country facing shortages of essential goods. Caribbean leaders called for an emergency meeting in Jamaica to address the dire circumstances in Haiti, with the United States, along with France, Canada, the U.N., and Brazil, invited to participate.
A Port-au-Prince resident, who did not give his name, described the massive attacks Friday, “They (the gangs) came with big guns. We have no guns, and we cannot defend ourselves. All of us, the children are suffering,” said the man.
While the U.S. military deployed personnel to secure the embassy, the Defense Department stands ready to provide support for a Kenyan-led multinational mission in Haiti. This support includes planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, communications, and medical assistance.
On March 3, Law Enforcement Today reported that the Biden administration, ruling out the deployment of troops, has committed financial and logistical support to address the escalating situation. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains uncertain, given the challenges on the ground and the intricate web of gang-controlled territories.
The Marine Corps Times reported on March 7 that the U.S. was considering deploying an elite Marine security team to Haiti at the request of the State Department. This consideration comes amid the deteriorating security situation, with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry struggling to maintain control amid gang attacks that have even closed the main international airport.
On March 10, the U.S. military announced its commitment to airlift non-essential embassy personnel from Haiti and enhance security measures. The evacuation of U.S. citizens from Haiti is a critical aspect of the evolving crisis. This operation to airlift non-essential embassy personnel aligns with standard embassy security practices worldwide and usually provided by the United States Marine Corps’ fleet antiterrorism security teams, or FAST.
Not long after, another fleet of Marines, the Anti-Terrorism Security Team, were sent over for embassy security.
The embassy said in a security alert, “Embassy operations may be further affected during the week because of gang-related violence and its effects on transportation and infrastructure."
The evacuation was designed to ensure the safety of American citizens in the face of escalating violence and political turmoil. The European Union's delegation in Haiti temporarily closed its offices due to security concerns.
Efforts to evacuate U.S. citizens are not only a response to the immediate threats but also part of a broader strategy to navigate the complexities of the crisis. The Biden administration, as mentioned in previous reports, has been considering contingency plans for months. The decision not to deploy U.S. military forces for intervention but rather to support international partners reflects a calculated approach to address Haiti's multifaceted challenges.
In addition to the evacuation of U.S. citizens, the U.S. military's role in providing enabling support for a Kenyan-led multinational mission underscores the commitment to addressing the root causes of the crisis. The Defense Department's readiness to assist with planning, information sharing, airlift, communications, and medical support demonstrates a comprehensive approach to stabilizing Haiti and facilitating a peaceful transition of power.
As the crisis unfolds, the importance of international collaboration becomes increasingly evident. The emergency meeting called by Caribbean leaders in Jamaica, with the participation of the U.S. and other key stakeholders, highlights the recognition of a shared responsibility in finding a resolution to Haiti's dire situation.
In a statement from U.S. Southern Command, “Our Embassy remains focused on advancing U.S. government efforts to support the Haitian people, including mobilizing support for the Haitian National Police, expediting the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and accelerating a peaceful transition of power via free and fair elections,”
The U.S. military's involvement in Haiti demonstrates a multifaceted approach to addressing the escalating crisis. The evacuation of U.S. citizens, combined with broader efforts to support a Kenyan-led multinational mission, highlights the complexity of the challenges faced by Haiti and the international community. Collaboration among nations is crucial as the situation continues to evolve, aiming to find a sustainable and comprehensive resolution to Haiti's political and security crisis.
“I completely understand the deep reluctance in Washington to have U.S. forces on the ground,” said James Foley, a retired career diplomat and former U.S. ambassador to Haiti. “But it may prove impossible to prevent a criminal takeover of the state unless a small U.S. security contingent is sent on a temporary basis to create the conditions for international forces to take over.”
The statement regarding the Marine fleet deployment from the Department of State read, “At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. Southern Command deployed a U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines, a common and routine practice worldwide -- and allow additional non-emergency personnel to depart.
"Our Marines in Haiti completed their assignment and were relieved by a secondary team of Marines. The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to US citizens and supporting Haitian led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power. This week, the Department of Defense doubled our funding for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and we are working with Haitian, Kenyan, and other partners to expedite its deployment to support the Haitian National Police and to restore security in Haiti.
"The Department of Defense is postured to provide enabling support for the MSS, including planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, and medical support.”
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Comments
2024-03-15T17:25-0400 | Comment by: Allen
"They have big guns. We have no guns" A preview of what the Biden administration is trying to set up at home for gangs too.