UPDATE: In a shocking incident, suspected Haitian gang members opened fire on US Marines guarding the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince on September 28, 2023. This alarming exchange highlights the escalating violence and insecurity plaguing Haiti, where gangs control a staggering 90 percent of the capital.
Captain Steven J Keenan, spokesperson for the Marines, confirmed that the shooting occurred on Thursday, with Marines returning fire. Fortunately, no American personnel were injured during the attack. The Haitian police could not be reached for immediate comment regarding the exchange.
The ongoing gang violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels, with criminal organizations extorting businesses and battling for territory with heavy weaponry. The situation is dire; according to the United Nations, more than 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced due to this rampant violence.
Security conditions have deteriorated rapidly since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, which created a power vacuum that has left politicians struggling to maintain order. Since then, no elections have been held to replace him, further exacerbating the chaos.
In late September, the United Nations Security Council took decisive action by voting to create a gang suppression force of roughly 5,500 troops to combat Haiti’s heavily armed criminal groups. A smaller contingent of police officers from Kenya has also been deployed to assist, but they have faced significant challenges in curbing the violence. Last year alone, gangs were responsible for over 5,600 homicides, according to the UN Human Rights Office.
The United States maintains its embassy operations in Haiti despite the persistent dangers, having issued multiple travel advisories warning Americans against visiting due to risks of kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring developments.
As the violence continues, the world watches closely, with urgent calls for international support to restore stability in the Caribbean nation. The next steps in this evolving crisis will be critical for the future of Haiti and its people.
