U.S. Deploys Anti-Terrorism Marines To Haiti Amid Uprising, Sends Additional $25 Million In Aid

The United States is acting fast after Haiti declared a state of emergency earlier this month. 

The U.S government issued a statement last week informing citizens that the Department of State — the U.S Southern Command — "has deployed a Marine Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain strong capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port Au Prince."

"The Department of Defense is postured to provide enabling support for the MSS, including planning assistance, information sharing, airlift, and medical support," the website explained. 

A shocking turn of events occurred on the island earlier this month when a massive prison break took place at the hands of armed gang members, resulting in the release of thousands of "dangerous prisoners." 

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Following the deployment of U.S Marines, U.S. Aid Chief Samantha Power will make an announcement Friday regarding $25 million in humanitarian aid, according to information obtained by Reuters.  

Per the media outlet, the funding will be used to provide immediate food assistance, emergency healthcare, relief supplies, and relocation support. 

Power also added that the aid will include psycho-social support, safe drinking water, and protections for the vulnerable including women and children. 

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"We urge all actors in Haiti to stop the violence and make the necessary concessions to allow for transparent, inclusive, and credible elections, unimpeded delivery of aid, and the restoration of democracy," Power said in a statement obtained by the media outlet. 

Heavily armed gangs including G9, have reportedly attempted to seize control over Haitian international airports and government sites. Officials say the recent spike in violence has rendered this crisis one of the most severe in humanitarian crises. 

On March 10, the U.S. Military airlifted all nonessential embassy staff out of Haiti overnight. The first chartered flight to remove dozens of U.S. citizens off the island arrived in Miami, Florida, on March 17.