In response to the escalating violence in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and across Haiti, the United States military carried out an overnight operation on Saturday to evacuate American personnel from the US Embassy. The operation involved airlifting personnel and deploying additional security measures to ensure the safety of the embassy and its mission operations.

The US Southern Command, in a statement to CBS News on Sunday morning, confirmed that the operation was conducted at the request of the Department of State. The main objective was to enhance the security of the embassy, allow mission operations to continue, and enable non-essential personnel to depart the country safely.

Airlifting US personnel to and from embassies is a standard practice employed by the military to bolster security worldwide, according to the statement. It emphasized that there were no Haitians on board the aircraft used for the airlifts.

While the embassy remains open, the decision to evacuate additional personnel was motivated by the heightened gang violence in the surrounding neighborhood and near the airport. The State Department continually evaluates the security situation and adjusts its posture accordingly.

The situation in Haiti has been marked by political unrest and rampant gang violence for decades. In September 2023, the Biden administration pledged $100 million to support the Haitian National Police and improve security in the country, with an additional $65 million later allocated for the same purpose.

Efforts to curb the escalating violence led to the approval by the United Nations Security Council of a multinational security force, with Kenya taking the lead. The force is planned to be deployed for one year, aiming to quell the gang violence that has plagued the nation.

However, the recent surge in gang violence occurred in late February, coinciding with Prime Minister Ariel Henry's visit to Kenya to push for the deployment of the multinational force. Heavily armed gangs launched attacks on key government sites and attempted to seize control of the airport, resulting in widespread disruption and the displacement of around 15,000 people in Port-au-Prince. Additionally, thousands of inmates escaped during attacks on Haiti's largest prisons.

As a response to the worsening situation, Haitian authorities imposed a nighttime curfew and declared a state of emergency, which was still in place as of Sunday.

The US Embassy in Haiti, while under the shadow of the prevailing violence, affirmed its commitment to continue supporting and mobilizing aid efforts for the Haitian people. The embassy's focus lies in supporting the Haitian National Police, expediting the deployment of the multinational security force, and ensuring a peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections.

Further details about the airlift operation in Port-au-Prince have not been made available at this time. The United States remains dedicated to assisting Haiti in overcoming its security challenges and promoting stability in the region.