A U.S. Marine spokesperson has revealed that Marines protecting the U.S. embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members last week. A spokesperson for the U.S. Marines revealed that embassy security officers were fired upon by suspected gang members, resulting in Marines stationed at the embassy firing back. The spokesperson stated that U.S. Marines are committed to the safety and security of U.S. embassies worldwide and respond to all threats with professionalism and swift, disciplined action. No service members were injured in the incident, which was first reported over the weekend by a source. Neither the State Department nor the U.S. Embassy in Haiti immediately responded to requests for comment. The Caribbean nation 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 U.N. said a gang suppression force of 5,550 was set to begin operations in Haiti on Oct. 2, working alongside Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, secure infrastructure and support humanitarian access. Such a brazen attack on the fortified compound in Port-au-Prince highlighted the tense security situation in the Caribbean nation. Marines at the embassy have been shot at on other occasions this year, but the Corps said this was the fiercest exchange of fire. Gangs control 90 percent of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, where they extort businesses and fight for territory, using heavy weaponry. The US continues to operate an embassy in Haiti, but in recent years the State Department issued numerous warnings telling Americans not to travel there, ‘Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom,’ the do not travel warning reads. The United Nations estimates gang violence displaced more than 1.3 million Haitians from their homes in recent years. Security in the nation of nearly 12 million people deteriorated rapidly since 2021, when President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his home by mercenaries.
