US forces fly in helicopters to evacuate non-essential personnel at US embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The U.S. military (Southern Command) reported Sunday forces flew into Haiti via helicopters for security at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti and to assist departure nonessential personnel.

Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs.

US Embassy neighborhood controlled by gangs
U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince - Google Maps
HQ72+J7M, Bd du 15 Octobre, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Dominican Republic has closed land border with Haiti.

VIOLENCE DESCRIBED ...
Gang Attacks
Major attacks on police stations
Sporadic gunfire and casualties
Uncontrolled fires

Government buildings insecure due to influx of refugees.

National Palace guards with armored truck attempted to establish security perimeter around one of the three downtown stations after police fought off an attack by gangs late Friday, March 8, 2024.

Extended curfew activated.

Haiti civilians are suffering due to fires, lack of defense against gangs, ongoing violence, influx of refugees, diminished supplies

Haiti Travel Advisory -- US Department of State

Haiti - Level 4: Do Not Travel (July 27, 2023)

Last Update: Updated to reflect the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members for Embassy Port-au-Prince.

Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure. On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees. U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.

Country Summary: Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victim’s families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.

Violent crime, often involving the use of firearms, such as armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Mob killings against presumed criminals have been on the rise since late April. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport.

Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti – assistance on site is available only from local authorities (Haitian National Police and ambulance services). Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies continue throughout much of Haiti. Public and private medical clinics and hospitals often lack qualified medical staff and even basic medical equipment and resources.

U.S. government personnel are limited only to the confined area around the Embassy and are prohibited from walking in Port-au-Prince. U.S. government personnel in Haiti are prohibited from:

Using any kind of public transportation or taxis

Visiting banks and using ATMs

Driving at night

Traveling anywhere between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Traveling without prior approval and special security measures in place.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Haiti.

The Haitian Ministry of Health and Population (MSPP) has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the country.

If you decide to travel to Haiti:

Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks.

Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival.

Do not provide personal information to unauthorized individuals (e.g. people without official uniforms or credentials) located in the immigration, customs, or other areas inside or near any airports.

If you are being followed as you leave the airport, drive to the nearest police station immediately.

Travel by vehicle to minimize walking in public.

Travel in groups of at least two people.

Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving.

Exercise caution and alertness, especially when driving through markets and other traffic congested areas.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Purchase travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance ahead of time.

Review information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

Review the Country Security Report on Haiti.

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

CRIME

Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

CIVIL UNREST

Political, economic, religious and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.

HEALTH

Health risks are present, including current disease outbreaks or crises that disrupt a country’s medical infrastructure.

KIDNAPPING/HOSTAGE TAKING

Kidnapping and/or hostage taking occurs in areas of the country.

NEWS SOURCES

US military evacuates some US Embassy personnel in Haiti, bolsters security amid ongoing violence - ABC News

US military evacuates staff, adds security at embassy in Haiti - POLITICO

US flies forces in to beef up security at embassy in Haiti and evacuate nonessential personnel | AP News

YOUTUBE NEWS

Haiti paralyzed by violence - YouTube - ABC News