More U.S. Forces Arrive to Assist with Relief and Security in Haiti

More U.S. Forces Arrive to Assist with Relief and Security in Haiti - William Ide, Voice of America.

About 2,200 U.S. Marines arrived in Haiti on Monday, joining thousands more American forces who are on the ground or just off shore to assist with the country's growing relief needs following last week's massive earthquake. The troop deployments come as concerns over security grow and reports of looting and scuffles on the streets of Port-au-Prince continue. Marine Major General Cornell Wilson says Monday's deployment boosts the total number of American forces in Haiti to more than 7,000. U.S. commanders say more than 10,000 military personnel will be in the disaster zone in the coming weeks. Wilson says the Marines arrived aboard the amphibious ship USS Bataan, and that the sea-based force will conduct a broad range of operations where access is challenged. "The amphibious ships are loaded with helicopters, amphibious vehicles, trucks, generators and water purification units," said General Wilson. "The Marines and sailors will be supporting the interagency relief efforts led by USAID [the United States Agency for International Development]." General Wilson says the Marines will stay as long as they are needed and will work with U.N. forces and the government of Haiti to handle security issues.

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