The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a security alert after heavy gunfire was reported near the mission and in Croix-de-Bouquets, prompting U.S. personnel to halt movements. The embassy remains open to provide emergency consular services and officials advised Americans to avoid affected areas. The U.N. and U.S. agencies say armed gangs control large parts of the capital; U.S. Marines have reportedly exchanged fire with suspected gang members. The State Department continues to recommend a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti.
Heavy Gunfire Near U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince Triggers Security Alert as Gangs Tighten Hold on Capital
State Department issues security alert amid 'heavy gunfire' near US Embassy in Haiti
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a security alert on Saturday after heavy gunfire was reported in the Haitian capital and in Croix-de-Bouquets. The Department of State said U.S. government personnel were ordered to halt all movements while security operations were underway.
Police patrol the streets of Port-au-Prince amid rampant gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.(Reuters)
Embassy Services and Safety Advice
The embassy remains open to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in need. Officials urged Americans to avoid the affected areas, stay indoors if nearby, and monitor local media and official embassy channels for updates.
Police stop at a car to inspect in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Wider Security Context
Both the U.S. State Department and the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) say armed gangs control large sections of Port-au-Prince and surrounding neighborhoods. The U.N. instructed its staff to stay off the streets after a coalition of gangs increased activity, and U.S. Marines have reportedly exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members during recent confrontations.
Residents run past burning tires in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Croix-de-Bouquets And The "400 Mawozo" Gang
Croix-de-Bouquets, specifically named in the embassy advisory, has long been identified as a stronghold of the gang known as "400 Mawozo." Prosecutors say the gang leader Joly Germine, 34, of Croix-des-Bouquets, was sentenced in December to life in prison for his role in the 2021 abduction of 16 American citizens, including five children. Authorities say the victims were members of an Ohio-based group, Christian Aid Ministries, and were seized while returning from an orphanage.
Travel Advisory And Official Response
The State Department currently maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti, citing kidnapping, widespread crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health-care capacity. The State Department did not immediately provide additional comment to media inquiries about Saturday’s incidents.
Note: Some operational details, including exchanges of fire involving U.S. forces, are described as reported and may be subject to further confirmation by official sources.
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