Marines guarding the U.S. Embassy in Haiti respond with gunfire at suspected gang members

U.S. Marines Engage in Gunfight in Haiti

Last week, U.S. Marines stationed at the embassy in Haiti found themselves in a gunfight with suspected gang members, as confirmed by a Marine spokesperson.

Col. Stephen J. Keenan mentioned in an email to Fox News Digital on Sunday that Marines involved in security operations at the embassy had come under fire from suspected gang members in Port-au-Prince on the night of November 13. The Marines returned fire during the exchange.

“The U.S. Marine Corps is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our embassies globally, responding to any threats with both professionalism and prompt, disciplined actions,” Keenan stated.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the Marines involved, and this incident was initially reported over the weekend.

Gang Violence in Haiti

The state of gang violence in Haiti is alarming, with reports indicating that armed groups control around 90% of Port-au-Prince. These groups reportedly block access roads, threaten infrastructure, and instill fear in civilians through various violent acts, including kidnapping and murder.

Haiti has been without an elected government since the assassination of President Jouvenel Moïse in 2021. The United Nations has announced that 5,550 anti-gang troops will start operations in Haiti on October 2, working alongside Haitian authorities to combat gang violence, secure infrastructure, and support humanitarian access.

This multinational effort, authorized by the UN Security Council, aims to safeguard vulnerable populations against the increasing violence and prevent massive displacement.

Uncertainty surrounds which countries will contribute personnel, but the initiative will largely rely on voluntary contributions from UN member states.

Warnings and Evacuations

The U.S. State Department has issued a “Level 4 Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti, highlighting concerns about kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. As a response to national security threats, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave Haiti in July 2023. The country has also been under a state of emergency since March 2024.