Canada has deployed members of its elite counterterrorism unit, Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), to its embassy in Port-au-Prince. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that preparations for deployment had been underway for two weeks prior to their arrival.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) reported the deployment, stating that Canadian military personnel are collaborating with the embassy staff on contingency planning efforts. However, details regarding the exact number of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed were not disclosed due to operational security concerns.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, with gang violence severely disrupting daily life and the availability of basic goods. The Haitian government extended a state of emergency and implemented a nightly curfew earlier this month in an attempt to regain control over key state institutions targeted by gang attacks.
As the violence continues, the Canadian government has advised its citizens in Haiti to shelter in place or, if movement is necessary, to maintain a low profile to avoid drawing attention. Global Affairs Canada reported that there are currently 3,039 Canadians registered in Haiti through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Since March 3, the agency’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre has fielded 245 enquiries, mostly concerning travel advice and the security situation in Haiti.
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