The Total U.S. Force in Haiti Increased to About One Thousand

The total U.S. military presence in Haiti has doubled to about one thousand personnel to help restore stability in the country. Three days after the resignation of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and his departure to Africa, a U.S. Marine Corps spokesperson told Voice of America that approximately 500 Marines arrived in Haiti last night, increasing the total U.S. force to about one thousand. Military officials from France and the U.S. in Haiti stated that they are increasing troop levels in confrontation areas in Port-au-Prince, the war-torn capital of the country. According to a U.S. Marine Corps spokesperson, hundreds of French and American soldiers will be added to the city in the coming days to prevent violence, and with the addition of soldiers from other countries, the number of troops will increase to several thousand. As Marines gather at the Port-au-Prince airport, rebels claiming to now control the Haitian army and police patrol the streets of the city. The U.S. has strongly rejected the rebels' attempts to seize power and has urged them to lay down their arms. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that the political power transfer in Haiti is proceeding according to the Caribbean Community peace plan.