U.S. Marines Return Fire After Suspected Gang Attack Near U.S. Embassy in Haiti

In a serious security incident this week, U.S. Marines deployed to protect the American Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, exchanged gunfire with suspected Haitian gang members. A Marine Corps spokesman confirmed that the attack occurred Thursday evening, but reported that no Marines were injured in the exchange.

Captain Steven J. Keenan, speaking on behalf of the Marines, said that the Marines were on embassy security duty when they came under fire. The Marines returned fire with discipline and restraint, according to his statement.

The incident underscores just how volatile and dangerous the security landscape has become in Haiti. According to reports, armed gangs now control up to 90% of the capital, waging violent turf battles, extorting local businesses, and operating with heavy weaponry.

Haiti’s instability has deep roots. Since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the country has functioned without a democratically elected leader. A transitional council governs, but its grip on power is precarious.

The United Nations has reported that more than 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced by gang violence in recent years.

In response to the growing crisis, the U.N. Security Council recently approved a 5,500-strong gang suppression force to be deployed in Haiti.

However, a smaller contingent of Kenyan police already on the ground has struggled to contain the rampant violence.