Americans began fleeing Haiti on Friday after insurgents torched police outposts and threatened new attacks in a spreading rebellion against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who defiantly declared he’s ready to die for his nation. In Haiti’s west, pro-Aristide supporters burned down homes in a seaside neighborhood and fired guns above the heads of residents who jumped into the ocean for safety. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Meanwhile, the new leader of several rebel groups, Guy Philippe, said he plans to attack Cap-Haitien, the government’s last remaining stronghold in the north, during carnival celebrations starting Friday. Philippe was Aristide’s police chief in Cap-Haitien but fled in 2002 amid charges he was plotting a coup. Citing mounting violence, the United States on Thursday urged the more than 20,000 Americans in Haiti to leave while transportation was still available. The Peace Corps also said it was withdrawing about 70 volunteers. Full Story
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