US military airlifts embassy personnel from Haiti
Mar 11, 2024
Washington [US], March 11: The U.S. military said on Sunday it has carried out an operation in Haiti to airlift non-essential embassy personnel from the country and added U.S. forces bolster embassy security, as Caribbean nation reels under a state of emergency.
The operation was the latest sign of Haiti's troubles as gang violence threatens to bring down the government and has led thousands to flee their homes.
Haiti entered a state of emergency last Sunday after fighting escalated while Prime Minister Ariel Henry was in Nairobi seeking a deal for the long-delayed U.N.-backed mission.
Kenya announced last year it would lead the force but months of domestic legal wrangling have effectively placed the mission on hold.
On Saturday, the U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto about the Haiti crisis and the two men underscored their commitment to a multinational security mission to restore order.
In Southern Command's statement, it said Washington remained committed to those goals.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Cooperation