A day after Haiti's prime minister resigned amid escalating turmoil and gang violence, the U.S. military sent a new squad of Marines to protect the American embassy.
The U.S. Southern Command said a fleet-anti-terrorism security team, known as FAST, was sent to the embassy in Port-au-Prince, the capital of the civil unrest.
The Marines are in Haiti 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," the statement added.
Despite restricted operations, the embassy remains open, "supporting Haitian-led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power." A representative claimed “U.S. Southern Command is prepared with a wide range of contingency plans to ensure the safety and security of U.S. Citizens in Haiti.”
On Sunday, the U.S. military airlifted non-essential people out of the country as usual. Premier Ariel Henry announced Tuesday that he will resign after a transitional government was constituted after a Monday meeting of Caribbean leaders and the U.S.
Despite being in Puerto Rico and unable to return to Haiti after armed gangs demanding his resignation took control of key airports, Henry remains prime minister without a timeline.
On Tuesday night, journalist and novelist Mitch Albom, who created Have Faith Haiti, stated on Instagram that he, his wife, and eight volunteers were evacuated from the country when a state of emergency was issued.
"I hope that our attention can turn to them and how we can help restore peace and safety to a beautiful country and its people, including our kids, who deserve so much better," he said.
follow for more updates