US Marine Anti-Terrorism Unit Deployed in Haiti Amid Escalating Violence

In response to a hostile situation in Haiti rife with unrest and violence, the U.S. military has taken action by deploying a Marine anti-terrorism unit to safeguard its embassy in Port-au-Prince.

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Security Deployment

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA – MARCH 2009: New US Navy warships in port at Naval Base San Diego — Photo by CeriBreeze

Upon the State Department’s request, a U.S. Marine Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) has been deployed to ensure robust security capabilities at the American embassy in Haiti.

Embassy Operations

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PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – JANUARY 12, 2019: Red thumbtack in a map. Pushpin pointing at Port-au-Prince city in Haiti. — Photo by andriano_cz

Despite security concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince remains operational.

The primary focus will now be to assist American citizens and support efforts for a peaceful transition of power.

Previous Military Actions

The U.S. military had previously sent forces to Haiti to reinforce embassy security and facilitate the evacuation of non-essential personnel, including diplomats’ families.

Uncertainty Over American Presence

State Department spokesperson Matt Miller acknowledged challenges in determining the number of remaining American citizens seeking evacuation.

Multinational Involvement

The deployment of a multinational force was also announced.

This will also be accompanied by humanitarian aid.

Haitian Political Landscape

A well-known local gang leader also attested to the sovereignty of the Haitian people, who have the power to choose leaders while the government faces transitions.

Regional Diplomatic Efforts

Regional organizations like Caricom have advocated for a political transition in Haiti.

The proposed establishment of a transitional presidential council signals a potential pathway toward resolving the country’s political crisis.

Persistent Violence

Despite diplomatic efforts, Haiti continues to grapple with widespread violence perpetrated by powerful gangs.

Recent attacks on crucial government targets underscore the volatile security situation, posing significant challenges to stability and governance.

International Assistance

The U.S. commitment to deploying military assets and providing humanitarian aid reflects broader efforts to address the root causes of instability in Haiti.

International cooperation is crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the nation.