Haiti.- On Wednesday, the State Department confirmed the evacuation of fifteen American citizens from Haiti to the Dominican Republic via helicopter, following an escalation of violence in Port-au-Prince. According to State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, the aim is to evacuate approximately 30 American nationals daily using helicopter flights between Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo.
Upon arrival in Santo Domingo, the evacuated individuals were received by consular personnel, but it is their responsibility to arrange their return to the United States.
Patel noted that while around 1,600 Americans in Haiti have contacted the government, not all have requested evacuation or are in accessible locations for helicopter pick-ups. Emphasizing safety, Patel stated that the US would not proceed with the operation if deemed unsafe or lacking necessary experience for success.
The recent evacuation follows a similar operation last Sunday, which saw 30 Americans flown to Miami from Cap Haitien, located north of Port-au-Prince. The State Department is considering additional flights from Cap Haitien, alongside evacuations from the capital, depending on the feasibility of citizens reaching the departure points. Several embassies and international organizations are currently reducing and evacuating personnel from Haiti due to escalating violence by armed gangs since late February.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his forthcoming resignation once a transitional presidential council is established, tasked with appointing a new head of government and facilitating presidential elections.