U.S. Marines protecting the American embassy in Port‑au‑Prince were shot at and returned fire on the evening of Nov. 13, a Marine spokesman said; no service members were injured. The exchange, first reported by The Washington Post, underscores Haiti's worsening security situation, where the U.N. estimates gangs control up to 90% of the capital. A U.N.‑authorized, 5,550‑strong multinational mission was slated to begin operations to help suppress gangs and secure infrastructure. The U.S. maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory and ordered nonessential personnel to leave in July 2023.
U.S. Marines Return Fire After Being Shot at Near U.S. Embassy in Port‑au‑Prince
U.S. Marines protecting the American embassy in Port‑au‑Prince were shot at and returned fire on the evening of Nov. 13, a Marine spokesman said; no service members were injured. The exchange, first reported by The Washington Post, underscores Haiti's worsening security situation, where the U.N. estimates gangs control up to 90% of the capital. A U.N.‑authorized, 5,550‑strong multinational mission was slated to begin operations to help suppress gangs and secure infrastructure. The U.S. maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory and ordered nonessential personnel to leave in July 2023.
01:39 AM, 11/17/2025Security
Marines Exchange Fire Near U.S. Embassy in Port‑au‑Prince
U.S. Marines assigned to embassy security in Port‑au‑Prince came under fire from suspected gang members on the evening of Nov. 13 and returned fire, a Marine spokesman said. Capt. Steven J. Keenan told Fox News Digital in an emailed statement that Marines supporting embassy operations were shot at and responded to the threat. No service members were injured.
"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," Capt. Keenan said.
The incident was first reported by The Washington Post. Neither the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Embassy in Haiti immediately replied to requests for comment.
Security Crisis in Haiti
The clash highlights Haiti's deepening security crisis. The United Nations estimates armed groups control as much as 90% of Port‑au‑Prince, where gangs have blocked roads, attacked infrastructure and terrorized civilians through kidnappings, sexual violence and killings. Haiti has had no elected government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The U.N. Security Council authorized a multinational gang‑suppression mission, and a 5,550‑member force was scheduled to begin operations on Oct. 2 to work with Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, secure key infrastructure and improve humanitarian access. Which countries will contribute personnel remains unclear; the operation is expected to be funded largely through voluntary contributions from U.N. member states.
Travel Advisory and U.S. Response
The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 4: "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti because of the risks of kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity and civil unrest. In July 2023 the U.S. ordered nonemergency government employees and their families to leave Haiti. The country has been under a state of emergency since March 2024.
Officials say U.S. Marines remain focused on protecting diplomatic personnel and facilities while monitoring security conditions in the capital.