Pentagon sends anti-terrorism Marines to Haiti to beef up U.S. embassy security with country on brink of civil war

More anti-terrorism U.S. Marines have been dispatched to Haiti to beef up security at the American embassy 24 hours after the country's prime minister announced his resignation amid mounting chaos.

The elite Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (F.A.S.T) was sent in as bedlam continued and after top gang leader Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier called for a 'bloody revolution'.

Ariel Henry stepped down as prime minister on Tuesday as the Caribbean nation was pushed to the brink of civil war and bodies were left strewn in the streets.

On Wednesday, the European Union said it is sending humanitarian aid worth 20 million euros ($21.8 million) to Haiti. 

A U.S. Marines anti-terrorism unit has been sent to Haiti to beef up security at the American embassy 24 hours after the prime minister announced his resignation

The new team was dispatched as gang violence continued to cause bedlam on the streets and after gang leader Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier called for a 'bloody revolution'

'An unprecedented level of gang violence is dramatically increasing humanitarian needs across the country,' European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said.

'The funding will help humanitarian partners to address the most urgent needs of the population.'

Henry agreed to step down in a bid to staunch spiraling violence that has left public services shattered and many people displaced.

Gangs who rule much of the capital Port-au-Prince had demanded Henry's departure after they launched a series of attacks on police stations, prisons and other infrastructure.

In a blow to international efforts to stabilize the country, Kenya on Tuesday said it was pausing plans to spearhead a multinational police mission backed by the United Nations.

Florida GOP Rep. Cory Mills (fourth from left) evacuated 10 U.S. citizens who were working at the Have Faith Orphanage at Port-au-Prince

Mills (pictured on board a helicopter during the rescue mission) slammed the Biden administration for a 'pattern of abandonment' of U.S. citizens

Heavily-armed gangs have been in firefights with cops and soldiers, tried to seize the airport and targeted government sites. 

The U.S. Southern Command said F.A.S.T. was deployed to the embassy in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince.

The embassy is still open, but most staff have been airlifted out and operations are limited. 

'U.S. Southern Command is prepared with a wide range of contingency plans to ensure the safety and security of U.S. Citizens in Haiti,' U.S. Southern Command said.

A Republican congressman has helped rescue Americans stranded during the violence and slammed the Biden administration for a 'pattern of abandonment' of U.S. citizens.

Florida GOP Rep. Cory Mills evacuated 10 U.S. citizens who were working at the Have Faith Orphanage at Port-au-Prince.

'This mission reiterates a disturbing reality under President Biden's leadership: American lives are continually jeopardized,' Mills said. 'I have led missions to rescue Americans multiple times when Joe Biden has deserted them.

'There's a clear pattern of abandonment,' Mills said, citing his rescue missions in Afghanistan during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal.

He also safely evacuated Americans from Israel in late 2023. 

'Yet again, this group was left behind by Biden and his State Department after requesting their help in-country

Heavily-armed gangs have been in firefights with cops and soldiers, tried to seize the airport and targeted government sites

Gangs are believed to be in control of around 80 percent of the capital

 Gang leader 'Barbecue', a former police officer, has claimed responsibility for the surge in violence.

Gangs are believed to be in control of around 80 percent of the capital.

More than 200 gangs are estimated to operate around Haiti, mostly in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. 

More than 20 of them are based in the capital and rally around two main coalitions: G9 Family and Allies led by 'Barbecue'; and G-Pep, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, who is allied with Johnson André, leader of the 5 Seconds gang and known as 'Izo.'  

Henry had been unable to enter Haiti because the violence forced the closure of its airports.

He arrived a week ago in Puerto Rico, where he announced his resignation in a recorded statement.