The US military has taken swift action to enhance security at the US Embassy in Haiti amidst escalating gang attacks, deploying additional forces and facilitating the departure of nonessential personnel.

The move comes as the situation in the capital, Port-au-Prince, remains volatile, with gangs exerting control over the surrounding neighborhood.

The US Southern Command clarified in a statement that the deployment involved helicopters, emphasizing that no Haitians were on board the US military aircraft, according to AP News.

This clarification aims to dispel speculation about the departure of senior government officials amid the worsening security conditions.

"This airlift of personnel into and out of the Embassy is consistent with our standard practice for Embassy security augmentation worldwide, and no Haitians were on board the military aircraft," stated the Southcom release.

Nonessential personnel, typically including diplomats' families, had already been directed to leave in July, suggesting that the US embassy staff recently transported may have been part of a rotation process.

European Union Takes Measures Amidst Security Concerns

In response to the Haiti crisis due to the deteriorating security situation, the European Union's delegation in Haiti has temporarily closed its offices and minimized its presence in the country.

The decision, driven by security concerns, reflects the broader instability in the region, Reuters noted.

Haiti declared a state of emergency last Sunday, coinciding with Prime Minister Ariel Henry's absence in Nairobi, where he sought a resolution for the long-delayed UN-backed mission.

Despite Kenya's earlier commitment to lead the force, domestic legal challenges have hindered the mission's progress.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto, reiterating their dedication to a multinational security mission to restore order in Haiti.

The US embassy emphasizes its commitment to supporting the Haitian people, including backing the Haitian National Police, expediting the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and facilitating a quiet transition of power through free and fair elections.

State of Emergency Extended as Gang Violence Persists

The state of emergency in Haiti, initially declared for three days, has been extended by a month due to heightened gang violence in the vicinity of the US embassy and the airport.

The US State Department justified the departure of additional US embassy staff, citing security concerns in the face of escalating violence, BBC reports.

Despite these challenges, the embassy reassured the public that it would remain open, emphasizing the United States' ongoing commitment to supporting Haiti's stability.

The evacuation of personnel reportedly took place through a pre-dawn operation involving US military helicopters, according to reports from nearby residents.

The deteriorating situation in Haiti is underscored by the suspension of operations at the country's main port, attributed to sabotage and vandalism.

Gangs intensified their attacks when Prime Minister Ariel Henry left for a regional summit, causing disruptions in both domestic and international travel.

The German ambassador to Haiti, along with other EU representatives, has left for the Dominican Republic following Germany's decision to suspend operations in Haiti.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Henry's attempts to return to Port-au-Prince faced setbacks, with both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic rejecting his plane.

Amid the turmoil, Prime Minister Henry has not made any public statements since his visit to Kenya, where he met with President Ruto to salvage a deal for a multinational force to restore order in Haiti.

The international community, particularly the United States and the European Union, remains committed to addressing the Haiti crisis and ensuring a secure and stable future for their people.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: U.S. evacuates nonessential embassy employees out of Haiti - From NBC News