US Government Urges Americans to Leave Haiti Amid Surge in Violence
Port-au-Prince, Jul 27 – The US government has issued a security alert advising American citizens in Haiti to leave the country due to a recent increase in violence. The Department of State has recommended that US citizens make plans to depart Haiti as soon as possible via commercial means. The alert comes as armed clashes between gangs and the police, along with the high threat of violent crime and kidnapping, continue to pose significant risks throughout the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The US Embassy in Haiti has emphasized the limited capacity of the US government to provide emergency services to its citizens in the country. Even prior to this alert, the State Department had already issued a Level 4 travel advisory, categorizing the situation in Haiti as “Do Not Travel.” The advisory highlights the widespread occurrence of kidnappings, with US citizens being frequent victims.
In response to the escalating violence, the US embassy has ordered its staff and their families to remain within the mission grounds until further notice. This decision was made due to the intense gun battles occurring in the vicinity of the embassy. Gangs, armed with sophisticated weapons supplied by factions within the Haitian economic elite, have effectively taken control of large areas of the capital. As a result, residents are being denied access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare, forcing thousands of them to flee their homes.
Haiti, a country with a population of approximately 11 million people, is grappling with extreme poverty and food insecurity. Half of the population lives below the poverty line, making it one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere. The country’s fragile institutions further exacerbate the challenges faced by its citizens. Moreover, the opposition views the government of unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry as illegitimate, suspecting his involvement in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.
The deteriorating security situation in Haiti has prompted the US government to issue this urgent alert, urging its citizens to prioritize their safety and depart the country as soon as possible. With limited resources to provide assistance, the US Embassy is taking measures to protect its personnel within the mission grounds. The violence, coupled with the dire socio-economic conditions, paints a grim picture for the future of Haiti. International efforts are needed to address the root causes of the violence and provide assistance to the vulnerable population.
Original Story at www.laprensalatina.com – 2023-07-28 00:46:01
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