Haiti Unrest: Haiti, the small Caribbean nation, is on the verge of collapse. In response to a request from the Department of State, the U.S. Southern Command has dispatched a Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) to bolster security measures at the U.S. Embassy located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This deployment aims to ensure robust security capabilities and facilitate the relief in place for the current Marine personnel, a standard practice observed globally.
Despite these security measures, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti remains operational, with limited operations focused primarily on assisting American citizens and supporting Haitian-led initiatives for a peaceful transition of power.
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Additionally, the Department of Defense has recently doubled its funding for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Collaborating with partners from Haiti, Kenya, and beyond, efforts are underway to expedite the deployment of MSS resources. These efforts aim to provide crucial support to the Haitian National Police and to restore stability and security within Haiti. The Department of Defense stands prepared to offer enabling support for the MSS, including assistance with planning, information sharing, airlift capabilities, and medical aid as required.
This month, Haiti was thrust into a state of emergency following a mass prison escape orchestrated by armed gangs, who also called for the resignation of Prime Minister Henry while he was overseas. After that Hait’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned from the country , also left the country.
74-year-old Ariel Henry, a former neurosurgeon, has held the position of unelected prime minister in Haiti since the unresolved assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Henry was appointed to this role by Moïse.
Facing mounting political pressure and demands from influential gang leaders within the nation, Henry announced his intention to resign in a video address to the public on Monday. He stated that he would step down once a transitional presidential council is established and an interim leader is chosen.
