U.S. Forces to Expand Mission in Haiti

American forces will intervene to stop Haitian-against-Haitian violence, the general in charge of U.S. operations there said Wednesday, marking an escalation of the American mission in the Caribbean nation.

“They will intervene to protect life,” Gen. James T. Hill, commander of U.S. Southern Command, told reporters at the Pentagon.

He portrayed the change as a natural evolution of the U.S. peacekeeping mission there, saying it required only a clarification of the rules that govern when troops can use force. Those rules cover troops from France, Canada and Chile who are in Haiti, as well.

The expanded mission follows Tuesday’s announcement that U.S. forces will join Haitian police in disarming militants.

In addition to taking weapons from people encountered on patrols, Hill said U.S. troops will also develop intelligence and conduct missions aimed specifically at weapons caches owned by any of the violent factions inside the country.

About 1,600 U.S. troops are in Haiti, including about 1,500 Marines. They are joined by more than 510 French, 320 Chilean and 50 Canadian soldiers. An additional 400 Canadians are expected to join the effort shortly, Hill said.

Military leaders say their primary mission is to guard key sites to prepare the way for a U.N. peacekeeping force.