The military airlifted U.S. personnel into and out of the embassy at the request of the U.S. State Department, according to an early Sunday statement from U.S. Southern Command.
The mission was designed to “allow our Embassy mission operations to continue, and enable non-essential personnel to depart,” according to the statement. No Haitians were on board the aircraft.
The operation took place as the Caribbean nation descended into chaos, with gangs overrunning the capital and the government on the verge of collapse.
Gangs have attacked police stations and prisons, looted seaports and public buildings, and shut down the airport, blocking shipments of critical supplies such as food.
The prime minister, Ariel Henry, is stranded in Puerto Rico as gang members demand his resignation.
Violence exploded over the weekend, with the gangs launching massive attacks on at least three police stations.
Caribbean leaders called late Friday for an emergency meeting Monday in Jamaica on what they called the “dire” situation in Haiti. Caribbean nations and the U.S. are working to find a resolution.
Kenya announced last year it would lead a multinational police force to try to calm the situation in Haiti, financed partially by the U.S., but the mission has been delayed amid legal challenges.
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