In response to escalating gang violence and societal upheaval, the State Department has now reportedly ordered all U.S. federal employees to leave Haiti and issued a “do not travel” advice for the nation.
In light of the high potential of kidnapping, the Biden administration reinforced its warning on Thursday and instructed all non-emergency federal workers, including those at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, to leave the nation right now.
Government personnel are being advised by the U.S. to keep an eye on local news and leave only when it is safe to do so.
According to the United Nations’ migration agency, more than 165,000 Haitians had abandoned their homes due to the violence as of June. Many of those who fled went to temporary shelters to hide.
The State Department claims it has little capacity to safeguard federal personnel as protests and mob violence escalate. The capacity of the local police to respond to emergencies and criminal activity is likewise lacking.
In order to avoid utilizing public transit, going to banks, driving at night, and traveling without authorization and security measures in place, the State Department urged outgoing government officials.
In the midst of a humanitarian and security catastrophe on the Caribbean island country of Haiti, violent crime is on the increase. A large portion of Port-au-Prince has been taken over by gangs, who have recruited youngsters as young as 8 years old.
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So, when is the state department going to issue “do not travel” orders for Chitcago, New Yawk, San Francisco, L.A., Seattle, et al?