Washington, August 31 (RHC)-- The U.S. embassy in the Haitian capital asked its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible due to security and infrastructure problems, either using commercial or private flights, the embassy published on its website.

The statement released by the embassy reads: "Given the current security situation and infrastructure problems, U.S. citizens in Haiti should leave the country as soon as possible using commercial or private means of transportation."

The embassy added that several airlines are currently offering flights from Haiti's international airports (Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien), but these "fill up quickly and seats may not be available for several days, or even several weeks," the information added.

Last Monday, due to the shootings in the area near Washington's embassy in Haiti, all the staff of the diplomatic mission was confined to the site and to the residential compounds until further notice.

For several months, the area where the embassy is located has been the target of attacks by the Kraze Baryè group, commanded by Vithelhomme Innocent, head of a gang that has repeatedly defeated the forces of law and order.

The Caribbean country is currently experiencing a wave of violence led by armed gangs.  According to official data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 165,000 people have been displaced, while another 1,630 have been killed, injured or kidnapped in the first quarter of 2023.