Mexico evacuates 34 citizens from violence-hit Haiti

Mexico has evacuated 34 of its nationals from Haiti aboard a military ship due to the worsening security situation in the Caribbean country, the Mexican government said Monday.

Seven minors and four diplomatic officials were among the evacuees, who were residents of Haiti, Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said at a news conference.

"A very special operation was required in which the naval vessel sailed to waters near Haiti and rescued these 34 compatriots, who are already on their way back," she said.

The government showed images of the Mexicans boarding a helicopter to be flown to the ship, due to the closure of Port-au-Prince airport.

Impoverished Haiti has seen escalating violence since late February, when armed gangs launched a coordinated offensive and demanded Prime Minister Ariel Henry resign.