US Warships Deploy Off Haiti’s Coast Amid Rising Instability

American warships have arrived off the coast of Haiti, US military officials said on Tuesday, as the country’s leaders struggle to maintain control amid a prolonged battle against powerful drug gangs.

The USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone, and USCGC Diligence entered the Bay of Port-au-Prince in a show of support for Haiti’s security and stability, according to a post by the US embassy in Haiti on social media platform X.

The embassy said the deployment reflects “the United States’ unwavering commitment to Haiti’s security, stability, and a brighter future.”

The flotilla was dispatched under “Operation Southern Spear” at the direction of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The operation is part of Washington’s broader campaign against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which has reportedly resulted in more than 100 deaths in maritime strikes.

The deployment comes as Haiti approaches a new phase of political uncertainty ahead of the February 7 expiration of the mandate of the Presidential Transitional Council.

Haiti has been gripped by years of instability and violence. In 2024, gang activity forced the resignation of then-prime minister Ariel Henry. The country has not held national elections since 2016, while state authority has steadily eroded across large parts of the nation.

Rival armed groups now control wide areas, carrying out murders, kidnappings, and sexual violence, contributing to overlapping security, humanitarian, and economic crises.

Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with millions facing food insecurity and limited access to basic services.

In response to the worsening situation, the United States has recently announced new visa restrictions on senior Haitian officials accused of supporting or collaborating with criminal gangs.