The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has announced that a Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) has been deployed to the American Embassy in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince to “maintain strong security capabilities” and “allow additional non-emergency personnel to depart.”
“The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to US citizens and supporting Haitian led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power,” the statement said, adding that “the Department of Defense is postured to provide enabling support for the [Multinational Security Support], including planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, and medical support.”
Haiti has plunged into chaos and lawlessness over the past several days following large-scale and coordinated jail breaks at the Haiti’s National Penitentiary and Croix-des-Bouquets Civil Prison. Haitian authorities have struggled to maintain order as gangs claim power amid the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
