US Marines Exchange Fire With Gangs While Guarding Embassy in Haiti
U.S. Marines assigned to protect the American embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members on Nov. 13, a Marine spokesman confirmed Sunday. According to Fox News , Capt. Steven J. Keenan said during an…
U.S. Marines assigned to protect the American embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members on Nov. 13, a Marine spokesman confirmed Sunday.
According to Fox News, Capt. Steven J. Keenan said during an interview with the outlet that Marines supporting embassy security operations were fired upon in Port-au-Prince and returned fire.
“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,” he said.
No service members were injured in the incident. The Washington Post first reported the clash over the weekend, though neither the State Department nor the U.S. Embassy in Haiti immediately commented.
Haiti has struggled with rampant gang violence for years. According to the United Nations, armed groups control as much as 90% of Port-au-Prince, obstructing roads, attacking infrastructure, and terrorizing civilians through kidnappings, rapes, and killings.
The nation has not had an elected government since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.