New team of marines deployed to Haiti for U.S. embassy security amid gang violence
A new team of Marines has been sent to Haiti to help protect the American Embassy, the U.S. military said Wednesday, a day after the beleaguered Caribbean nation's prime minister announced his resignation following months of rising unrest and gang violence.
A new team of Marines has been sent to Haiti to help protect the American Embassy, the U.S. military said Wednesday, a day after the beleaguered Caribbean nation's prime minister announced his resignation following months of rising unrest and gang violence.
The U.S. Southern Command said in a statement that a fleet anti-terrorism security team, known as FAST, was deployed to the embassy in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince, which has been at the center of the chaos and civil disorder.
The Marines are in the country to "maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines, a common and routine practice worldwide," the statement said.
The statement added that the embassy remains open, although only limited operations continue, including "supporting Haitian-led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power."
A spokesperson said that “U.S. Southern Command is prepared with a wide range of contingency plans to ensure the safety and security of U.S. Citizens in Haiti.”
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