The U.N. and foreign embassies urged staff in Port‑au‑Prince to work from home after public threats and weekend security raids by Haitian police, the Armed Forces and the multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier ("Barbecue") urged residents to stay inside on Nov. 17, while GSF reported seizing an M50 Barrett rifle, six assault rifles and three pistols. A police helicopter made an emergency landing and ground teams came under heavy fire; U.S. Marines protecting the American Embassy exchanged fire with suspected gang members but suffered no injuries.
UN Tells Staff to Stay Off Port‑au‑Prince Streets After Gang Coalition Threats; US Marines Exchange Fire
The U.N. and foreign embassies urged staff in Port‑au‑Prince to work from home after public threats and weekend security raids by Haitian police, the Armed Forces and the multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier ("Barbecue") urged residents to stay inside on Nov. 17, while GSF reported seizing an M50 Barrett rifle, six assault rifles and three pistols. A police helicopter made an emergency landing and ground teams came under heavy fire; U.S. Marines protecting the American Embassy exchanged fire with suspected gang members but suffered no injuries.
03:07 AM, 11/18/2025Security
Port‑au‑Prince, Haiti — Threats from armed gangs prompted the United Nations and multiple foreign embassies to advise staff to avoid the streets of Haiti's capital on Monday, after weekend security operations and public warnings circulated on social media.
What happened
U.N. security instructed personnel in the West region to work remotely and limit travel, and Haiti’s National Police suspended all personnel leave until further notice, according to reports. Mathias Gillmann, a spokesperson for the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti, confirmed that staff were asked to work from home for the day.
The advisory followed public threats from a prominent gang leader and social media messages that urged residents to remain indoors after recent operations by the Haitian National Police, the Armed Forces of Haiti and the multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a mission authorized by the U.N. Security Council.
Gang leader's message
Jimmy Chérizier, widely known as "Barbecue," posted a video shared by an independent Haitian outlet in which he urged people to stay home on Nov. 17 to avoid becoming victims. In a brief translated excerpt he said:
"Those who don't need to, do not go out into the streets. Leave the streets to 'Viv Ansanm' and the police so that we can confront them."
Viv Ansanm is a coalition of gangs designated by the U.S. State Department in May as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and Foreign Terrorist Organization. The alliance was formed in September 2023 when Port‑au‑Prince's two main factions, G‑9 and G‑Pép, joined forces.
GSF operation and clashes
The GSF said it and specialized units from Haiti’s National Police and Armed Forces carried out a targeted operation against leaders and members of the 400 Mawozo gang. The operation on Friday reportedly led to the deaths of several gang members and the seizure of multiple weapons, including an M50‑caliber Barrett rifle, six assault rifles and three pistols.
The GSF said a Haitian National Police helicopter providing aerial support was forced to make an emergency landing after a mechanical malfunction. Ground units evacuated the team but came under heavy gunfire during the rescue.
Separately, U.S. Marines assigned to protect the American Embassy exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members on Thursday; officials reported no U.S. service members were injured.
Official statements
The GSF issued a statement saying the operation "sends a clear and unequivocal message: the era of unchecked gang dominance is over," adding that joint, intelligence‑driven operations and continuous patrols will continue until criminal groups are decisively defeated.
Reports cited include The Miami Herald, Fox News Digital and local Haitian outlets. The security situation in Port‑au‑Prince remains volatile, and authorities have urged residents to follow official guidance for their safety.