U.S. Marines deploy to embassy in Haiti

The United States on Wednesday deployed a rapid response security team of Marines to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, according to a statement by U.S. Southern Command. The military described the deployment as a “common and routine” practice. Kenya has reportedly paused a mission to deploy roughly 1,000 troops to Haiti to reduce gang violence. The decision comes after Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned earlier this week. The United Nations approved that mission last year.

What’s the situation on the ground in Haiti? The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince said on Monday that since the end of last month, “organized criminal groups have escalated violence, exacerbating the humanitarian situation for Haitians.” It said the United States was providing $33 million in humanitarian aid in response. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the same day that the United States would be doubling its support to the United Nations peacekeeping mission led by Kenya.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report in The Sift about Henry’s recent resignation.