The United States has officially designated a coalition of Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move on Friday. This targets the Viv Ansanm coalition and the Gran Grif gang directly.
Rubio stated that the age of impunity for those fueling violence in Haiti is over.
He emphasized that these groups pose a direct threat to US national security interests.
These gangs have reportedly killed civilians and targeted security forces.
Their aim is allegedly to overthrow Haiti’s government and establish a gang-controlled state.
Haiti has long suffered under the control of armed street gangs. These groups perpetrate murders, kidnappings, and other heinous crimes.
Currently, a transitional government is in power in the nation. Gangs are estimated to control a staggering 85% of Port-au-Prince.
An international security force led by Kenya has been deployed. This force aims to support the overwhelmed Haitian police in their efforts.