The Department of State issued this Tuesday an alert to all U.S citizens currently in Haiti to leave the country due to security concerns and shortages, mainly fuel, that may limit services such as hospitals, internet, and telecommunications.
The warning asks all U.S citizens to look for commercial flights to leave the Caribbean island and states that the Embassy “is unlikely to be able to assist U.S. citizens in Haiti with departure if commercial options become unavailable”.
According to the alert, “U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Haiti in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges”.
The Haitian government has struggled during the last weeks to control gangs that are blocking fuel distribution, which has led to riots and limited services in private and public transportation; as well as an increase in theft and kidnapping. This all came after the assassination of Haiti’s president Jovenel Moïse last July 7th.
The State Department warning also comes as a group of 17 Christian missionaries who were kidnapped last month, including 16 US citizens, still remain captive. Gangs asked for a rescue of 1 million dollars to release them.
