In response to the eruption of gang violence following the announcement of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation, the US Marine Corps has dispatched an anti-terrorism unit to safeguard the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This development comes as armed gangs, who currently control 80% of the capital city, continue to wreak havoc in the country.

The US Southern Command, based in the Greater Miami area, revealed on Wednesday that a Marine Fleet-Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) was deployed at the request of the State Department. The primary objective of this deployment is to "maintain strong security capabilities" at the US Embassy, provide relief for the current Marines stationed in Haiti, and enable non-emergency personnel to safely depart the country.

The US embassy in Haiti remains open, but with limited operations focused on assisting US citizens and supporting Haitian-led efforts to ensure a peaceful transition of power. Haiti has been plagued by rampant gang violence for an extended period, exacerbated further since Prime Minister Henry's resignation announcement.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, aged 74, declared on Tuesday his plans to step down once a transitional presidential council has been established. This announcement came shortly after a meeting between Caribbean and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jamaica to discuss the ongoing situation in the island nation.

The Defense Department has bolstered the funding for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission under the Southern Command, effectively doubling its resources. Dozens of FAST Marines based in Yorktown, Virginia have already been deployed, according to a US defense official.

The FAST team is comprised of specially trained armed Marines who possess expertise in embassy security and emergency evacuation procedures. With their nimble deployment capabilities, they rapidly provide additional support and reinforcement as required. Defense officials have confirmed that the team was deployed on Tuesday.

US military involvement in Haiti also includes facilitating a voluntary evacuation of non-essential embassy personnel. On Sunday, planners and logistical personnel were dispatched to assist with the evacuation process. Furthermore, the US military will collaborate with vetted Kenyan police units to stabilize Haiti, as stated by the Southern Command.

The relentless grip of armed gangs on the capital city has left the country in a dire situation. UN reports reveal that gangs control a staggering 80% of Port-au-Prince and continue to carry out brazen attacks. Just this month, the gangs unleashed chaos by freeing thousands of prisoners, attacking two prisons, targeting the international airport, and assaulting police stations, among other incidents.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry has faced criticism for his perceived failure to curb gang violence and for not organizing new elections, according to sources. Currently, he remains in Puerto Rico as gangs have seized control of the airport, preventing his return to Haiti.

As the situation in Haiti remains volatile, the deployment of the US Marine Corps' FAST team demonstrates the commitment of the United States to support the stability and security of the region.