U.S. forces deploy to Haiti amid political crisis and gang violence ahead of transition deadline.

A U.S. warship, the USS Stockdale, along with two Coast Guard cutters, has arrived off Haiti’s coast as political instability intensifies ahead of the February 7 expiration of the transitional council’s mandate. The deployment, part of Operation Southern Spear, aims to support security and stability amid ongoing gang violence, a political vacuum, and failed transition efforts. Despite anti-gang operations, deadly attacks persist, including the killing of a 4-month-old boy and arson at a key sports facility. The U.S. has imposed visa restrictions on officials defying transition directives and continues to emphasize humanitarian and logistical support without direct combat involvement.