Sending a team of US Marines to provide security for the US Embassy in Haiti

A team of US Marines was sent to provide additional security to the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, according to a statement from US Southern Command.

This new group of Marines is in addition to tactical teams of diplomatic security personnel from the State Department who were previously sent to Haiti.

"At the request of the Department of State, US Southern Command deployed a US Navy Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) to maintain the security of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and conduct relief operations," US Southern Command said.

She emphasized that this step is “common and routine practice around the world, for our current Marines,” adding: “The United States Embassy remains open, limited operations continue, and is focused on assisting American citizens and supporting Haitian-led efforts to secure the peaceful transition of power.”

A spokesman for US Southern Command said, "The command is prepared with a wide range of contingency plans to ensure the safety and security of US citizens in Haiti."

According to ABC, the Marines that will be sent to Haiti are what is known as the Marine FAST Team, which has received specific training in providing additional security at American diplomatic sites anywhere in the world on short notice.

The deployment of Marines to the US Embassy is the second time this week that US military forces have been called to assist US Embassy staff in Haiti.