A group of suspected Haitian gang members fired on U.S. Marines protecting the U.S. Embassy in Port‑au‑Prince this week, a spokesman for the Marines said Saturday. The exchange began Thursday and ended when the Marines returned fire. No Marines were hit.
When asked, Haitian police did not immediately comment on the incident. The shoot‑out highlights how dangerous the security situation is in Haiti’s capital. Gangs control about 90 % of Port‑au‑Prince, using firearms and heavy weapons to extort businesses and fight for territory.
The U.S. State Department has warned Americans not to travel to Haiti because of kidnappings, violent crime, terrorism and widespread civil unrest. The country’s instability worsened after President Jovenel Moïse was murdered in 2021, which left a power vacuum and stalled elections.
According to the United Nations, gang violence has forced more than 1.3 million Haitians from their homes. Last year, U.N. Human Rights Office figures show 5,600 people were killed by powerful criminal groups.
In September, the U.N. Security Council approved a gang‑suppression force of roughly 5,500 troops to be sent to Haiti. A smaller contingent of Kenyan police has struggled to keep gang activity in check.
The incident at the U.S. Embassy underscores how fragile Haiti’s security remains and why the international community remains focused on curbing the violence that has gripped the nation for years.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
