Port-au-Prince, Haiti.-The United States Embassy in Haiti reported in the last few hours of the arrival in Port-au-Prince Bay of the ships USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence, belonging to the US Navy and Coast Guard, as part of the so-called Operation Southern Spear.
The presence of these military vessels occurs in a context of high political and social tension in the Caribbean country, marked by the violence of armed gangs and institutional uncertainty.
“Under the orders of the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, the USS Stockdale, the USCGC Stone and the USCGC Diligence have arrived in the bay of Port-au-Prince as part of Operation Southern Spear,” said the US embassy in a message broadcast through its official account on the social network X.
In the same statement, the diplomatic mission stressed that the arrival of these vessels “reflects the unwavering commitment of the United States to security, stability and a more promising future for Haiti.”
The embassy added that both the US Navy and Coast Guard “reaffirm their alliance and support to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti,” at a time when armed violence continues to seriously affect the civilian population and weaken state institutions.
Although no specific details were offered about the duration or specific tasks of the operation, the announcement was interpreted as a sign of political and strategic support from Washington for the country’s stabilization efforts.
For its part, the United States Southern Command also referred to this decision through a message in
The arrival of the US military vessels occurs a few days before the mandate of the Presidential Transition Council (CPT) expires on February 7, a body that was established as part of the agreements to guide the country towards institutional normalization after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the subsequent collapse of the political order.
The proximity of this date has intensified internal tensions and disputes over the future of Haitian political leadership.
US support
In this context, the United States Embassy in Haiti expressed its support “for the leadership of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé in building a strong, prosperous and free Haiti.”
This statement was interpreted as a clear signal of support for the current head of government in the face of attempts to modify the structure of the executive branch in the midst of the transition.
On January 25, the United States Department of State announced the revocation of visas for two members of the Presidential Transition Council, as well as their family members, for their alleged involvement with “gangs and other criminal organizations” operating in the country.
Actions
The measure was presented as part of Washington’s efforts to combat corruption and collusion between political actors and armed groups. Days before this decision, the CPT had reported the start of a process to replace Prime Minister Fils-Aimé with an interim prime minister, with a maximum period of 30 days.
This initiative generated concern in Washington, which had expressed opposition to any change in the composition of the Government at a time considered critical for the country’s stability.
On January 23, US State Department Undersecretary Christopher Landau warned that changing the current Haitian government could be interpreted as undermining efforts to restore basic security and stability in the country, especially amid the fight against armed gangs.
Haitian panorama
—1— Crisis
Haiti has been going through a deep political, social and security crisis for several years.
—2— Violence
According to data from the United Nations office in the Caribbean country, at least 5,915 people died and another 2,708 were injured in 2025 as a result of violence carried out by criminal gangs.
