US Announces Plan to Evacuate American Citizens Stranded in Haiti

The US Reveals Plan to Rescue Stranded American Citizens in Haiti

March 17, 2024 TruthUSA

The U.S. State Department confirmed it will attempt to evacuate Americans who are still stranded in Haiti as the security situation in the country worsens.

The U.S. Embassy announced on Saturday that it will coordinate a charter flight for U.S. citizens remaining in Haiti. This comes months after the embassy previously advised Americans to leave the country.

“We are arranging a charter flight for U.S. citizens from Cap-Haitien to the United States, assuming the security situation in Cap-Haitien remains stable,” the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in a security alert issued over the weekend, noting the airport in the city is “opened periodically for departing flights.”

However, it cautioned that the journey from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien by land is dangerous, and individuals should only head to Cap-Haitien if they believe they can safely reach the airport.

The statement also mentioned that those choosing to depart using government-backed flights must agree to repay the U.S. government for the cost of the flight.

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“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel,” the embassy also warned Saturday. “You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.”

The U.S. Embassy’s statement on Saturday follows the evacuation of some embassy personnel by U.S. military officials two weeks ago. Haiti declared a state of emergency due to increased violence from armed groups, with then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigning last week.

On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the formation of a transition council following Mr. Henry’s resignation.

U.S. aid chief Samantha Power allocated $25 million in humanitarian assistance for Haiti on Friday, with additional funds previously announced. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of the transition plan.

Notably, a powerful gang leader in Haiti, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, issued threats towards political leaders involved in the transition council amid escalating violence in the country.

Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, leader of the 'G9' coalition of gangs in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, looks on after speaking to members of the media, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Oct. 26, 2021. (Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters) — Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, leader of the ‘G9’ coalition of gangs in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, looks on after speaking to members of the media, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Oct. 26, 2021. (Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters)

Mr. Cherizier’s warning, coupled with heightened violence in the region, has led neighboring countries to enhance their border security and withdraw embassy staff, while plans for an international security force deployment remain uncertain.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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