U.S. Marines protecting the U.S. Embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members last week, a Navy spokesman said.
“U.S. Marines are committed to the safety and security of U.S. embassies around the world and respond to all threats with professionalism and rapid, disciplined action,” Keenan said.
No soldiers were injured in the incident, which was first reported last weekend The Washington Post.
US MILITARY BUILD-UP IN THE CARIBBEAN SEES BOMMERERS, MARINES AND WAR BOXES TOGETHER NEAR VENEZUELA
Kenyan police stand guard outside the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 5, 2024, as armed gangs continue to cause unrest in nearby areas. (Guerinault Louis/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Caribbean country has been plagued by gang violence, with armed groups reportedly controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations. The groups block access roads, attack infrastructure and terrorize civilians through kidnappings, rapes and killings.
There has been no elected government in Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The UN said a 5,550-strong gang suppression force would begin operations in Haiti on October 2, working with Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, secure infrastructure and support humanitarian access.
Protesters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, march on April 2, 2025, calling for the resignation of the interim presidential council over rising insecurity and rampant gang violence. (Guerinault Louis/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The multinational mission, approved by the UN Security Council, aims to “protect vulnerable populations from escalating violence and prevent the displacement that inevitably leads to it.”
It remains unclear which countries will contribute personnel, although the force will be funded mainly through voluntary contributions from UN member states.
MAJOR CRUISE LINE SUSPENDS VISITS TO CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS AGAINST KIDNAPPINGS AND SECURITY CONCERNS
The State Department has a Level 4: Do Not Travel for Haiti warning on its website due to the risks of kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity and civil unrest.
It ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the country by July 2023 due to security risks. The country has been in a state of emergency since March 2024.
Protesters pass burning tires as they march toward the Villa d’Accueil to demand stronger government action on security in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 2, 2025. (Clarens Siffroy/AFP via Getty Images)
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