U.S. Marines Engage in Shootout with Gang Members in Haiti

UPDATE: U.S. Marines securing the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, were fired upon by suspected gang members in a dangerous incident that unfolded on November 13, 2023. The Marines promptly returned fire, marking a significant escalation in violence amid ongoing security challenges in the region.

Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Steven Keenan confirmed the altercation, stating, “I can confirm that Marines supporting embassy security operations were fired upon by suspected gang members in Port-au-Prince and the Marines returned fire on the evening of November 13. No Marines were injured.” This statement was relayed to The Epoch Times as the situation continues to develop.

The attack highlights the precarious security environment in Haiti, where gang violence has surged, leading to heightened tensions and increased military presence. The U.S. Embassy has been on alert due to the ongoing threat from armed groups in the area, making this incident a critical concern for American officials.

The U.S. State Department was contacted for further details regarding the shootout but had not responded by publication time, leaving many questions unanswered about the broader implications of this confrontation.

As violence escalates in the capital, the safety of American personnel remains paramount. This incident underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to stabilize the situation in Haiti, where gangs have increasingly challenged government authority and public safety.

Be sure to stay updated on this developing story as more information becomes available. The potential repercussions of this incident extend beyond Port-au-Prince, affecting U.S. foreign relations and humanitarian efforts in the region.