Refuge from gangs forced to leave United States embassy in Haiti

Police used batons, tear gas and water cannons to clear out dozens of families seeking refuge in the courtyard of the United States Embassy on Tuesday, after they fled relentless gang attacks in the Clercine neighborhood.

"I don't want to leave that place, I want to stay here and die," said a tearful young woman, shown in a video throwing herself on the ground when a police officer attempted to remove her.

The Tabarre neighborhood and other areas in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area have been plagued by gang violence, leading residents to seek safety outside their homes.

However, the lack of security measures and an increase in kidnappings and armed attacks have left the population vulnerable and in dire need of assistance.