WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Department Thursday ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. personnel and their family members from Haiti due to the unstable situation, according to a statement issued by the State Department.

Given the crime and civil unrest in Haiti and limited U.S. ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there, the State Department has raised the Travel Advisory Level for Haiti to Level 4 -- "Do Not Travel," which is the highest alert level.

There are currently widespread, violent and unpredictable demonstrations in the capital Port-au-Prince and elsewhere in Haiti, said the statement.

U.S. Embassy in Haiti also said that there were reports of armed men in the area near U.S. embassy housing compounds, instructing embassy staff to remain indoors.

Haiti has seen a week-long demonstration to press President Jovenel Moise to cede power. At least seven demonstrators were reportedly killed.

"I will not leave the country in the hands of armed gangs and drug traffickers," Moise said in a pre-recorded address broadcast on state television on Thursday. Enditem

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