Marines protecting U.S. Embassy in Haiti fire back at suspected gang members
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
U.S. Marines guarding the American embassy in Haiti engaged in an exchange of gunfire with suspected gang members last week, a Navy spokesman said.
Marines supporting embassy security operations were opened fire on by suspected gang members in the capital of Port-au-Prince and returned fire on the evening of Nov. 13, Capt. Steven J. Keenan said in an emailed statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday.
“The U.S. Marine Corps is committed to the safety and security of U.S. embassies around the world and responds to all threats with professionalism and rapid, disciplined action,” Keenan said.
No soldiers were injured in the incident, as first reported over the weekend. Washington Post.
US MILITARY STRUCTURE IN THE CARIBBEAN BOMBS, MARINES AND WARSHIPS CONVERGENCE NEAR VENEZUELA
Kenyan police stand guard outside the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, July 5, 2024, as armed gangs continue to cause unrest in nearby areas. (Guerinault Louis/Anatolia via Getty Images)
Neither the State Department nor the U.S. Embassy in Haiti immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Caribbean country is plagued by gang violence, with armed groups reportedly controlling 90% of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations. The groups block access roads, attack infrastructure, and terrorize civilians through kidnapping, rape, and murder.
Haiti has not had an elected government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The UN said the 5,550-strong Gang Suppression Force in Haiti, which will work with Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, secure infrastructure and support humanitarian access, will become operational on October 2.
Protesters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, marched on April 2, 2025, demanding the resignation of the Interim Presidential Council due to worsening insecurity and widespread gang violence. (Guerinault Louis/Anatolia via Getty Images)
The multinational mission, authorized by the UN Security Council, aims to “protect vulnerable populations from increasing violence and prevent the displacement it inevitably causes.”
While the force will be primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, it remains unclear which countries will contribute personnel.
MAJOR CRISIS HOTLINE STOPS VISITS TO CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS DUE TO KIDNAPPINGS AND SECURITY CONCERNS
The State Department’s website has a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning for Haiti due to risks of kidnapping, crime, terrorist activities and civil unrest.
Ordered non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the country in July 2023 due to security risks. A state of emergency has been in effect in the country since March 2024.
Protesters pass burning tires as they march towards Villa d’Accueil to demand stronger government action on security on April 2, 2025 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Clarens Siffroy/AFP via Getty Images)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
