US begins evacuation of Americans from Haiti amid rising violence

The US Government has started evacuating Americans from Haiti amid rising violence

The U.S. State Department has initiated helicopter flights to transport American citizens out of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, in response to increased violence.

The first flight carried over 15 individuals to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with plans to evacuate more than 30 U.S. citizens daily through multiple flights.

Unelected Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s announced resignation has left a political vacuum, further destabilizing the country. Efforts supported by Caribbean nations and the U.S. to establish an interim presidential council remain unresolved.

Port-au-Prince is overrun by heavily armed groups, resulting in rampant violence, including killings, kidnappings, and sexual assaults. The situation has forced over 360,000 Haitians to flee their homes, according to U.N. estimates.

Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel revealed that nearly 1,600 Americans have filled out an online form seeking information on leaving Haiti.