Miami, FL – March 18, 2024 – Dozens of American citizens escaped the escalating gang violence and political turmoil in Haiti aboard the first State Department charter flight on Sunday. The flight, which departed Cap-Haitien on the country’s north coast, landed safely at Miami International Airport.

This evacuation effort comes as Haiti descends deeper into crisis. Gang violence has paralyzed the nation, leaving essential supplies scarce and streets deserted. The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince recently urged all American citizens to leave the country “as soon as possible.”

“We are grateful to be able to assist US citizens seeking to depart Haiti during this difficult time,” said a State Department spokesperson. “Over 30 citizens were on this first flight, and we are working to help others leave safely.”

The spokesperson added that the State Department would continue to offer evacuation flights “as long as commercial options remain unavailable, and the security environment permits us to do so.” However, the exact number of Americans seeking evacuation and the frequency of future flights remain unclear.

Meanwhile, a Florida-based non-profit organization has also managed to evacuate nearly 40 Americans and their allies. However, they report a waiting list exceeding 100 people. One American missionary described the situation in Port-au-Prince as feeling “like we are sinking in quicksand.”

Haiti’s future remains uncertain. The US evacuation effort provides a lifeline for some American citizens, but many more wait for a chance to escape the deteriorating situation.