"U.S. Embassy Urges Immediate Departure of Americans from Haiti"
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has issued an advisory urging American citizens to leave the country "as soon as possible" due to ongoing unrest and infrastructure challenges. The embassy also advised Americans to exercise extreme caution while traveling, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and turn around if encountering roadblocks. The United States previously evacuated non-emergency government personnel and diplomats' family members from the embassy in July after Haitians sought protection from heavy gunfire. Gang violence has surged in Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with armed gangs controlling up to 90% of the capital city. The embassy warned that flight availability is limited and seats fill up quickly.