The United States is beginning to evacuate its citizens from Haiti by helicopter due to reports of ongoing violence in the country’s capital. The city is currently dominated by gangs, and there have been reports of intense gunfire in some of the wealthiest areas.
Vedant Patel, a state department spokesperson, stated that government-chartered aircraft are transporting evacuees from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic. Patel emphasized that the safety of the operation is a priority, and future evacuation flights will be assessed on a daily basis.
The situation in Haiti’s capital is described as “very fluid” as heavily armed gang fighters continue to challenge the government. Nearly 1,600 US citizens in Haiti have sought assistance from the government, either for evacuation or safety advice.
Journalists and witnesses have reported renewed fighting in Port-au-Prince, with heavy gunfire echoing across once-peaceful communities. The violence has also spread to upscale areas, causing distress among residents and putting pressure on the local police force.
As the fighting continues, negotiations are underway to establish a transitional council that will select an interim leadership to guide Haiti through this challenging time.
2024-03-20 15:30:09
Article from www.theguardian.com