US Embassy advises immediate departure for Americans in this nation.
U.S. Embassy Urges American Citizens to Leave Haiti Amid Deteriorating Security Situation
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has issued a “security alert” urging American citizens to leave the impoverished Caribbean country “as soon as possible” due to the worsening security conditions.
The embassy bulletin states, “Given the current security situation and infrastructure challenges, U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible via commercial or private transport.”
Several airlines and charter companies, including American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Air Caraibe, and Sunrise Airways, are offering flights out of Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien airports. American citizens still in Haiti and looking to leave via Port-au-Prince should monitor local news frequently.
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However, the embassy emphasizes that ”flights fill up quickly and seats may only be available several days or even weeks in advance of departure.” Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to consider booking flights in advance.
If Americans encounter any issues leaving Haiti or need assistance with passport or travel document issues, they should contact the U.S. Department of State.
The embassy also urges U.S. citizens who remain in Haiti to exercise extreme caution when traveling and to avoid protests or large gatherings. If confronted with a roadblock, individuals should turn around and seek a safe area.
According to the State Department’s website, traveling to high-risk areas in Haiti may increase the risk of kidnapping, hostage-taking, theft, and serious injury. The agency warns that it cannot provide assistance in these high-risk areas.
In recent months, conditions in Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince, have significantly deteriorated due to escalating gang violence. An American citizen and her daughter were kidnapped in late July and held for ransom before being safely returned. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti was also temporarily closed earlier this month due to gunfire in the city’s streets.
Just a few days ago, a gang opened fire on a church-led protest group in a suburb of Port-au-Prince, resulting in casualties. The police claim that the group’s religious leader was accompanied by armed individuals, and the situation escalated into a tragedy.
Amid the ongoing gang violence, anti-gang vigilante groups have captured and killed hundreds of gang members. In some instances, mobs have resorted to burning suspected gang members alive in public areas.
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In recent days, hundreds of people have been displaced and forced to live in small tents in a sports center courtyard in Port-au-Prince due to gang wars and shootings.
The situation in Haiti is extremely volatile and dangerous. The U.S. Embassy strongly advises American citizens to leave the country immediately for their safety.
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