Evacuation of US Citizens by Helicopter Commences as Violence Escalates in Affluent Areas of Haiti
Amid reports of escalating violence and renewed fighting in Haiti's capital, the United States has commenced helicopter evacuations for its citizens. The State Department has taken charge of this operation in response to the dire security situation in Port-au-Prince, where heavily armed gang fighters have sparked an insurrection. Nearly 1,600 US citizens have sought assistance, either for evacuation or guidance on ensuring their safety.
Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the state department, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the security risk in Port-au-Prince is significant. However, the evacuation operation is being carried out with utmost caution and expertise. As the violence in the capital continues to unfold, future evacuation flights will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Reports of heavy gunfire in once-peaceful communities near Port-au-Prince have surfaced, with journalists and witnesses describing the scene as reminiscent of "Mad Max". The violence has not spared even the city's upscale areas, such as Laboule, Thomassin, and Pétion-Ville, where residents have made desperate appeals for assistance amid the chaos.
Behind the scenes, negotiations are underway to establish a transitional council that will be responsible for selecting an interim leadership to guide Haiti towards new elections. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the country has been without a stable leadership. Pressure from the US and Caribbean leaders has led to commitments from acting President Ariel Henry to step down once the transitional council is established.
The United States remains hopeful that these negotiations will yield positive results and bring stability to Port-au-Prince. However, the efficacy of such a council in quelling the violence remains uncertain.
News Agencies