Chilean forces in Haiti are safe despite riots

SANTIAGO. -  Following the wave of protests reported in Haiti over the last few days as a result of recent hikes in the cost of living, the head of National Defense, General Iván Fabry, guaranteed that the Chilean troops in the country are in good condition and that the demonstrations have not affected their work routines. 

“In general, the Chilean forces are doing really well, they are completing the work they need to do, helicopters are flying, they are carrying out their patrol shifts without complications”, the general said, indicating that none of the 515 Chilean volunteers deployed to the country have been injured.

The general also pointed out that they have kept all safety measures in place –such as using helmets and bulletproof vests, as well as staying together in groups with appropriate vehicles— without having to instate extra regulations. 

Nevertheless, the general indicated that communication –by way of videoconferencing— with the forces in Haiti has increased over the last few days in order to keep close tabs on their situation, “because if we are notified of trouble, we are obviously going to see whether or not it is true”.