The Biden administration has not ruled out sending U.S. troops or other military assistance to Haiti, the White House said after the country’s crisis-crippled government issued a request for military assistance following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
The option of sending U.S. forces or other military aid to the country is “still under review,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Monday. Officials appear wary to oblige the request for military assistance, which was first raised in a conversation between interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last Wednesday.
HAITI’S AMBASSADOR TO US CALLS FOR MILITARY ASSISTANCE AFTER PRESIDENT JOVENEL MOISE’S ASSASSINATION
Haitian police said Moise was killed by a team of retired Colombian mercenaries, aided by several Haitian Americans who claimed to be translators. A motive for the assassination is unclear. But one of the hired assailants, who said he was an interpreter, claims the president was dead when his team entered the residence.
The killing threatens further instability in the country, with three politicians staking claims to take charge of the government.
On Sunday, officials from the White House National Security Council and departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State traveled to Haiti at Haiti’s request for investigative and security assistance. They met with acting Prime Minister Joseph and Prime Minister-Designate Ariel Henry together, along with Senate President Joseph Lambert, each of whom is vying for control.
Emily Horne, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, said the group pressed for open and constructive dialogue to help the country hold free and fair elections.
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Psaki said the delegation briefed President Joe Biden on Monday.
“What was not clear is what the future of political leadership looks like in the country,” she said.
