In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has executed an emergency evacuation of its embassy in Haiti.

According to Daily Mail, the operation, conducted by Marines, comes in response to the escalating gang violence that has put the Haitian government and its citizens under severe threat.

In the early hours of Sunday, Marines were deployed to evacuate non-essential personnel from the US embassy in Haiti safely. This decision followed a dramatic rise in violence across the nation, with local gangs escalating their attacks against state institutions and posing a significant threat to the local government.

Evacuation amid rising violence

The US military's Southern Command confirmed the success of this meticulous operation. They emphasized that the evacuation aligned with standard practices for ensuring embassy security. It's important to note that no Haitian citizens were involved in the airlift on the military aircraft.

The situation in Haiti has deteriorated to such an extent that gangs have taken control of about 80 percent of Port-au-Prince. This terrifying dominance has forced thousands of residents to flee their homes in search of safety. As a repercussion of this chaos, the European Union's delegation in Haiti has also seen the need to close its doors temporarily.

Haiti has been placed under a state of emergency to manage the situation, which has recently been extended by another month. Measures such as a curfew have been implemented in hopes of curbing gang violence, while international operations have been scaled back due to grave security concerns.

Gangs' grip tightens on Port-au-Prince

A striking consequence of this violence is the overwhelming sense of decay reported by residents of Port-au-Prince. Prime Minister Ariel Henry finds himself stranded in Puerto Rico, unable to return home since Tuesday. Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has taken significant steps to safeguard his country's national security, stating that Henry's presence in the Dominican Republic would not be appropriate and closing the land border with Haiti.

Among the most chilling aspects of this unfolding crisis are the reports from the capital's morgue. Directors have been overwhelmed by calls from residents to collect bodies but have often been forced to refuse due to the risk involved. The violence has escalated to include indiscriminate shootings, barricading of streets, and even the burning of bodies in public areas.

International concern and support

In response to the crisis, a meeting of Caribbean leaders has been urgently scheduled in Jamaica. The intent is to respond collectively to the challenges plaguing Haiti and its people. For its part, the US has pledged ongoing support to Haiti, focusing on bolstering the Haitian National Police and supporting the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission as authorized by the United Nations.

The US Southern Command remarked on the efforts being made to assist Haiti during this tumultuous time:

Our embassy remains focused on advancing U.S. government efforts to support the Haitian people, including mobilizing support for the Haitian National Police, expediting the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and accelerating a peaceful transition of power via free and fair elections.

Residents are in a state of fear and desperation. Their testimonies paint a harrowing picture of daily life under the control of gangs. "They came with big guns. We have no guns and we cannot defend ourselves," said one resident, underscoring the dire situation in which many Haitians find themselves.

Conclusion

Marines' evacuation of the US embassy in Haiti marks a critical juncture in the nation's ongoing crisis. The operation, precipitated by escalating gang violence, underscores the severe threats faced by the local government and its citizens. With gangs controlling a significant portion of the capital, thousands have been displaced, seeking refuge from the chaos.

The US and other international entities have responded with measures to bolster security and provide support, but the challenges remain formidable. As Caribbean leaders prepare to convene and discuss ways forward, the situation in Haiti serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities associated with restoring peace and stability to a country in turmoil.