The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has requested additional security personnel including Marines as Port-au-Prince has been gripped by days of protests over a government plan to raise fuel prices and cut food subsidies, according to multiple reports.
A request made by the embassy includes a Marine Security Guard Augmentation Unit consisting of about 13 Marines and other personnel to reinforce existing embassy security, CNN reported.
The request has been approved by Trump administration officials, the network added.
Staff at the embassy have been instructed to shelter in place by State Department officials, and a travel advisory urging U.S. citizens to stay away from the airport unless absolutely necessary was issued Tuesday afternoon.
"Due to the security situation, U.S. government personnel continue to shelter in place and U.S. citizens are advised to do the same.
If you attempt to go to the airport, exercise extreme caution and only do so if the route is open," reads the advisory posted on the State Department's website.
"Do not travel to the airport unless you have a confirmed airline ticket. Contact the airline for information on seat availability. Expect large crowds and delays at the airport," the statement continued.