Amidst surging gang assaults on prisons and law enforcement in Haiti, over twenty Americans are presently seeking asylum, prompting significant actions from both the U.S. government and private organizations.
In response to the escalating violence, major U.S. airline carriers have halted operations to Haitian airports following incidents of gang violence in late February.
Additionally, the U.S. State Department had arranged voluntary evacuation flights from Cap-Haïtien International Airport. However, the volatile situation caused by organized gang activity has rendered evacuation efforts perilous for citizens on the island.
Americans Rescued From Haiti (Credits: Money)
In light of the risks involved, the State Department warned U.S. citizens through the social media platform X, advising them to proceed to the airport at their own risk.
A Tampa-based veteran-led international search team, Project Dynamo, has initiated a rescue mission to safely repatriate these Americans back to the United States. Founded by Bryan Stern, the nonprofit organization specializes in providing aid to Americans affected by conflicts and disasters worldwide.
Speaking at a recent press conference in the Dominican Republic, Stern revealed that Project Dynamo has aided thousands of Americans in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza since August 2021. The organization has conducted 609 missions over the past two and a half years, assisting nearly 7,000 individuals.
Haiti Crisis (Credits: Politico)
Stern emphasized that the bulk of the organized gang violence is concentrated in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. He noted that numerous Americans have sought Project Dynamo’s assistance in evacuating the island, including missionaries, tourists, and individuals involved in communications.
Expressing concerns about funding constraints, Stern anticipates multiple rescue operations due to helicopters’ limited capacity and families’ preference to stay together during evacuations.
While acknowledging the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. State Department, Stern voiced a desire for formal guidance for Americans remaining in Haiti.
He emphasized the frustration among officials reluctant to leave citizens behind or abandon the embassy but noted a lack of advice for those who remain.
Despite the ongoing efforts, the State Department does not intend to provide additional evacuation assistance. This decision underscores the challenging circumstances faced by the Americans seeking refuge and those striving to assist them amidst the tumultuous situation in Haiti.
