Escalation in Haiti: Britain promises aid Many NATO countries will also miss their defense budget target in 2023

In light of escalating gang violence in the Caribbean country of Haiti, the British government has pledged border protection support to its neighboring overseas territories. “The safety of people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is of paramount importance following the terrible escalation of violence in Haiti,” Foreign Secretary David Cameron wrote on the X Platform (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

Britain will provide additional support to protect the islands’ borders and people. London, for example, promised police equipment for video surveillance, new marine engines and patrol boats. Cameron also wrote that they continue to support efforts to restore stability in Haiti.

Gang violence in Haiti has been escalating since late February. The two most powerful gangs had joined forces to demand the resignation of interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry. According to the UN, gangs control about 80 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince. About 362,000 people have been displaced in the country.

The German ambassador and other diplomats have now left Haiti. The United Nations is setting up an airlift to supply the needy population from the neighboring Dominican Republic. (sda/dpa/lyn)