A crack group of counterterrorism Marines have now reportedly been sent to Haiti to enhance security at the American embassy following the prime minister’s resignation.
The situation in the country has continued to deteriorate in recent days as a coalition of brutal gangs, some of whom allegedly practice cannibalism, have taken over most of the capital.
The highly trained Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (F.A.S.T) was deployed amidst chaos following a call for a violent uprising by notorious gang leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier.
Ariel Henry resigned from his position as prime minister on Tuesday amidst escalating tensions in the Caribbean nation, with bodies scattered in the streets.
Henry agreed to resign in an attempt to curb escalating violence that has severely impacted public services and forced many people to flee their homes.
The gangs controlling a significant portion of the capital Port-au-Prince had called for Henry’s resignation following a string of assaults on police stations, prisons, and other vital structures.
In a setback to global initiatives aimed at stabilizing the nation, Kenya announced on Tuesday that it was halting its leadership role in a multi-national police mission supported by the United Nations.
Heavily armed groups have engaged in shootouts with law enforcement and military personnel, attempted to take control of the airport, and focused on government facilities.
The U.S. Southern Command deployed F.A.S.T. to the embassy in the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
The embassy remains operational, although the majority of personnel have been evacuated and services are restricted.
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