The United States says incidents of armed violence and disruptions to ports and airports are widespread in Haiti and warned that the security situation in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country “is unpredictable and dangerous”.
The US embassy in its latest security alert bulletin said that barricades have been put up in many neighborhoods and normal traffic patterns are disrupted.
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“The suspension of operations at Port-au-Prince International Airport has been extended through November 25. The area around the airport remains unstable and outbreaks of violence near the airport could occur,” the Embassy said.
It said due to the continued violence throughout the city and near the embassy, operations there are limited until further notice.
“All appointments for visas and American Citizen Services are canceled,” it said, informing US citizens in Haiti whose flights have been canceled to their airlines’ customer service office for specific information and advice.
“Please be aware that at this time traveling to the airport in Port-au-Prince is not safe and the commercial airlines may not have agents at the airport to assist you until regular commercial travel starts back up.
“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The US government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel.
“You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so,” the embassy said.
On Tuesday, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said he was “alarmed” by the escalating violence in Haiti, where more than two dozen gang members were killed by police and members of the public earlier.
Police spokesman, Lionel Lazarre, said at least 28 suspected gang members were killed as police and civilian self-defense groups clashed with the gangs in an overnight operation, as the government seeks to regain control of the capital.
Police and members of the Kenya-led multinational security mission had been on heightened alert for days amid the threats and constant gun battles around Port-au-Prince.
Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, who is known as “Barbecue” said Tuesday that the gangs would now be targeting hotels that harbor politicians.
“A hotel that is hiding politicians, if we can’t take the hotel, if I can’t find the owner of the hotel then the employees of the hotel can pay,” he said in a video clip shared on social media. CMC
