Amid a security crisis in Haiti, the Joe Biden administration has decided not to deploy US troops to assist the national police, according to a White House official.

A coalition of gang leaders has orchestrated attacks on vital national infrastructure, including the seaport, airports, and prisons, according to the Miami Herald.

The decision follows intense 72-hour communication between US and Haitian diplomatic officials, raising concerns that an international security mission led by Kenya might not be ready in time.

"The United States is not sending US troops to Haiti to support the Haitian national police's security operations," said a National Security Council official.

Urgent efforts are underway to mobilize international support for Haiti, especially for the national police, to restore security amid escalating challenges to the government's control by united gangs.

Haiti gangs, which were once fragmented, have joined forces to challenge Prime Minister Ariel Henry's government's authority.

The White House is actively working to expedite the deployment of the Kenya-led force, as revealed by John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor.

"We're working with international partners to provide immediate support to the Haitian national police and expedite the deployment of the Multinational Security Support mission that will help restore security urgently," Kirby said.

Despite the Joe Biden administration's commitment to allocate $200 million to the mission, the State Department faces opposition from skeptical Republican lawmakers who have hindered a $50 million request crucial for the mission's initiation.

Neighboring Nations Bolster Defenses as Haiti Faces Escalating Gang Conflict

Haiti's security crisis has prompted neighboring nations to reinforce their defenses and recall embassy staff.

The de facto government in Haiti declared a 72-hour state of emergency and imposed nightly curfews following armed groups' prison break and calls for the removal of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, Reuters reports.

The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, announced the inspection of a border fence by its defense minister and ruled out the establishment of refugee camps for fleeing Haitians.

Heavy gunfire near Port-au-Prince's international airport heightened tensions, leading the United States to advise its citizens to leave Haiti promptly.

As armed Haiti gangs increase their dominance, residents around Port-au-Prince have received warnings to keep children at home despite the government's commitment to keeping schools open.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry's Whereabouts Remain a Mystery Amidst Unrest

The whereabouts of Prime Minister Ariel Henry have become a central concern for Haitians amidst the escalating Haiti violence.

Henry, who assumed power after the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, has been notably absent as armed groups seize control and Haiti violence intensifies.

The prime minister's silence during his travels across South America and Africa has fueled speculation about his response to the crisis.

Armed groups engaged in gunfire at the main international airport, leading to a mass prison escape, and a state of emergency and curfew were enacted without Henry's direct involvement, AP News noted.

Jake Johnston, a research associate at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, noted, "It's the million-dollar question. The fact that he hasn't even opened his mouth since the violence began has stoked all sorts of speculation."

Henry's mystery eased somewhat when officials confirmed his arrival in Puerto Rico after landing on a chartered flight from New Jersey.

Tracking data showed the flight initially heading towards the Dominican Republic but diverted to Puerto Rico.

Ariel Henry, who was last seen in Kenya working to salvage a multinational security force, left Haiti over a week ago.

His absence raises concerns about leadership during the crisis, as the Haiti violence further threatens the stability of the Caribbean nation.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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