The United States and other diplomatic missions have initiated evacuations from Haiti amid escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince.
A joint operation by the German and European missions faced challenges in assisting others due to concerns within the diplomatic community about potential gang targets.
The US military conducted an operation to airlift non-essential personnel from its embassy, citing coordinated gang attacks threatening the government.
The evacuation, prompted by heightened violence near the US embassy compounds and the airport, aligns with standard security practices.
President Joe Biden approved the evacuation, expressing deep concern.
The German and European Union missions also evacuated diplomatic staff, including ambassadors, in a coordinated effort led by the EU.
Haiti’s airport closure and security challenges led to a unique helicopter evacuation utilizing a military base on the Dominican side.
Escalating violence, the escape of prisoners, and the lack of defensive capabilities prompted diplomatic missions to leave Port-au-Prince. Shops running out of supplies and intermittent services further contributed to the decision.
Over the past three days, at least 12 helicopter evacuation flights occurred, mainly commercial charters.
The situation’s volatility, with shots fired after a recent flight, questions the viability of continuing evacuation flights.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the EU delegation temporarily closed its offices in Haiti.
Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier’s threats against Prime Minister Ariel Henry add to the political turmoil, while public frustration grows due to the government’s inability to address unrest.
The chaos has led to mass displacement, hindering aid distribution.
The World Food Programme suspended maritime transport services in Port-au-Prince, and the healthcare system is nearing collapse, with medical centers reducing operations due to violence, personnel shortages, and a lack of supplies.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry, facing challenges returning to Haiti, is believed to be in Puerto Rico after the Dominican Republic refused his flight.
CARICOM plans a meeting on Haiti in Kingston, Jamaica, to address the crisis.
