Due to the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, the U.S. is withdrawing all of its government employees and their families from the country except for emergency personnel.

This is according to a travel warning updated on Thursday.

The U.S. State Department issued a warning saying, “Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.

“U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.

Haiti, the poorest country on the American continent, is located between North and South America on the island of Hispaniola, with the Dominican Republic on the eastern half of the island.

For years, Haiti had suffered from corruption, violence and natural disasters.

Since the devastating earthquake in 2010, with more than 220,000 deaths, Haiti has been relying on overseas development aid.

In addition, brutal gangs were fighting for control of the capital Port-au-Prince, which was increasingly sinking into chaos.

According to the UN, almost half of the 11 million Haitians suffer from acute hunger.

“The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti assistance,” said the U.S. government. 

It added, “Assistance on site is available only from local authorities, Haitian National Police and ambulance services.”

The U.S. embassy also issued several warnings.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse almost two years ago, there has been a barely functioning interim government.

In October, the government requested the deployment of an international military force to quell the armed gangs, but nations have been wary of getting involved. 

(dpa/NAN)