US orders departure of non-emergency personnel from Haiti

The US State Department on Thursday ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from Haiti as the security situation in the country deteriorates.

“U.S. citizens should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges, "the agency said in an updated travel advisory.

"Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens.

Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked," the State Department said in a travel advisory.