US Marines Deployed In Haiti Amid Gang Crisis

Department of State sent the Marines on Sunday to fortify its embassy and evacuate staff. 

The U.S. military carried out the helicopter operation throughout the night at the State Department's request, according to a statement released by U.S. Southern Command.

Following the killing of Haiti's president in 2021, gang warfare has intensified, thrusting the country into yet another wave of carnage. Power vacuums in the Caribbean country have allowed gang bosses to consolidate their control and become more brutal. Haiti's PM Ariel Henry is still unable to enter the nation due to the fact that the airport is under attack by violent gangs.

“This airlift of personnel into and out of the embassy is consistent with our standard practice for embassy security augmentation worldwide, and no Haitians were on board the military aircraft.” - the statement said.

The gangs attacked the main seaport after seizing control of many police stations, and then they planned a mass prison break at the two biggest prisons. The gangs released thousands of prisoners, including a number of well-known gang leaders.

The last democratically elected leaders are removed from Haiti as the government is unable to hold elections, citing massive levels of gang violence. The country became a de facto "dictatorship," according to critics, and democratic deterioration was accelerated.