U.S. Urges Citizens to Leave Haiti Amid Escalating Gang Violence

The U.S. State Department has issued a stark warning to American citizens in Haiti, urging them to depart the Caribbean nation due to a surge in gang violence that has seen a series of attacks on governmental institutions, including prisons, police stations, and the international airport. This violence spree has thrown the country into chaos, leading to a government-declared state of emergency and the imposition of a nighttime curfew.

The situation in Haiti has reached a critical point, with armed gangs launching coordinated attacks, notably targeting the country’s largest prisons and facilitating the escape of thousands of inmates. This escalation of violence, characterized by kidnappings, assassinations, and assaults on public and private property, has forced the Haitian government to implement a 72-hour state of emergency in an attempt to regain control.

Travel options for leaving Haiti are severely limited. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince has been rendered inoperable after an attempted seizure by gangs, and the main land route to the Dominican Republic is heavily controlled by gang activity, making escape nearly impossible for U.S. citizens without risking confrontation. Maritime routes for passenger travel are not widely utilized, further complicating evacuation efforts.

This advisory marks the second urgent notice from the U.S. Embassy in Haiti in a matter of days, underscoring the deteriorating security landscape in the nation. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Embassy continues to operate on a limited basis, canceling all appointments through March 12 and advising Americans to stay informed through local news and plan their departure based on security conditions and available transportation options.

In light of the ongoing crisis, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has engaged in discussions with Haitian leader Ariel Henry, emphasizing the urgency of transferring power to restore order. However, there are currently no plans for a government-led evacuation of Americans or embassy personnel from Haiti, leaving individuals to navigate the perilous conditions independently as officials closely monitor the unfolding situation.